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The engineer at Falken that told me about the size we care about said "spring" to "summer" of 05. Thinking about throwing those old trash tires out and running the new Azenis are we Wink
Graham, I got the same story a few months back before any formal announcements were made about the new tire from Falken. He didn't tell me they were coming out with a new tire, just that they would be greatly expanding the sizes, including the ones you and I like in 17s.
By the time they are available it sounds like the next season will be half over or better. Even though the tires I run are older than your grandmother and harder than rocks, the price was right. If I run new race rubber, I won't have an excuse any more when the rookies beat me, so I'm not sure what I'll do yet. Besides, I might actually have to spend money on tires. We'll have to see if I even have a tire budget next year.
One thing that does appeal to me about the new Falkens is that it is a tire I could run and not bother to change tires at events. As I get less serious about autox and just want to show up for an event now and then and have fun, the idea of having decent rubber without having to change tires is appealing. So, I lose a little at Laurinburg, but I have a feeling that new Falkens will be faster than aged vintage Hoosiers.
It sounds like the best part of that is I get to compete against Whitney and Jim P in tire class next year! Woohoo! With this trend, we could do away with open classes and put everbody in tire class. We could just have one big pax club. (ducking and running for cover....)
Besides, I'm getting old and lazy and less interested in working so hard at this autox stuff these days. Small but important voices beckon me to spend my time on other things next year. I hope I listen.
Miles