Tuesday November 11, 2003

Maximum Grip!

ALL NEW INDY GRIPS
 

When it comes to silicone tires in our hobby,  Indy Grips has long been the tire choice of many over the years. Now these tires have improved compounds that not only boost performance but have increased the durability of them considerably. Professor Motor debuted these tires at the recent Chicago Slot Car Show and I knew we had to give them a quick road test.

The first thing you might want to know is that these tires are miles ahead of the old versions when it comes to durability. In the past some of the silicones would easily tear or break if you stretched them to far. The new formula for these tires solve this problem as hopefully you can see in the photo. I stretched and twisted these tires to see how much they could take, and I can safely say they will stand up to a heavy amount of abuse. This also means that attempts to sand these tires are pretty much useless, so if you are doing this to help correct out of round wheels, it would be best to chose the older versions.

Some enthusiasts like these tires not only because they work well, but that they have a contoured sidewall to them that just gives them better scale detail for those desiring it on their models. Another nice touch is the fact that Professor Motor has stamped an identification number on the inside wall of the tire. This is great for those times when you are trying out different tires and perhaps lose track of which one is which during testing. I know I appreciate it as sometimes things get a little hectic at our track, and more than once have I wished for this extra addition.

As the photo shows, the last 2 numbers indicate the type of tire you have. The stock number for the Scalextric IRL and Formula 1 models is IG #1008. The 2 numbers shown in the photo are the last 2 in the stock number. On some lower profile tires such as the #1007 for the Scalextric Caddy and MG Lola this number might have the very top trimmed off due to the size of the sidewall, but you should still be able to figure it out.

The overall fit of these tires were as close to perfect as you could ask. We tested tires for the Scalextric Trans-Ams and L88 Corvettes, NASCARS, GT-40's, MG Lolas and the new TVR and all had a snug, reliable fit on the wheel.

But with all these changes how do they perform? Just as well, if not better than previous versions. In fact the new Scalextric NASCAR tires helped drop lap times a great deal due to the added width of the tire. I managed to shave .075 off our lap times on box stock NASCARS, as well as with the Trans-Am and GT 40 classes. These tires are not only great on plastic tracks but on routed wood as well. Dave Dobner performed testing of these tires on his nice track and reported excellent overall performance.

The bottom line is that these new Indy Grips are simply a great tire. Smooth action and increased performance plus the added durability have more than surpassed the original version in my opinion. And due to the new tooling process additional tires are being made quickly for other models and availability will be increased, helping end the "great tire hunt" of the past. If you are looking to bring up the performance in your slot cars, I feel adding a pair of good tires makes a huge difference so you might want to have some in your slot car tool box.

- Harry

Thanks go to Professor Motor for providing us with these samples.

We have these IN STOCK now, so drop in our online store and have a look!