Running a plugged or patched tire for track use?
 

Hey track folks, I'd like to hear some of your thoughts on this. I have a track day next Saturday, and I justremembered that one of my rear tires is running a plug style tire repair. :eek:

http://www.diymyride.com/wp-content/...lug-insert.jpg
^ not my tire, but its that style of repair




I do not want to take a chance running just a plug, so I was thinking about getting a proper plug/patch repair, as shown below





http://media.tbccentral.com/themes/b...epair2_270.jpg
^with the patch on the inside and the plug to prevent debris from entering the puncture hole and wearing down the patch




How do you guys feel about running a patch/plug repaired tire? Have any of you run repaired tires on the track? If it is properly done, will it hold up to track abuse? The track is a 1.8mi course, not sure what the top speed is, but the longest straight is 962ft. This is just a mini school event so I think we only get 2 runs of 25 minutes each. If it is too dangerous, I might have to buy an unexpected pair of rear tires before the event :mad:

Any constructive comments are welcome, I don't want the typical "if you have to ask, you already know the answer" type stuff. :p

I just finished a track weekend at Summit Point running on three patched (not plugged) tires. Summit Point is a 2 mile circuit with an 880 m main straight. I reached top speeds right around 120 mph.

I must admit that I was a little bit worried, but I experienced no issues.

I suspect that most people would never recommend tracking a patched tire.

However, if you decide to run on the patched tire try and not think about it. If you have ever run on a track before you know that distractions can lead to disaster.

And don’t tell your instructor…

i have done it and i am not proud of it, but it was hard to throw away a brand new 300 dollars tire

it was on a plug near the sidewall too....

if you do, get it patched if you can. i mean usually if you have problems, they will leak and not blowout anyway

just be careful

Yea i wouldnt really sweat it. Youll prob be fine

Thanks, I'll take the tire to get a professional plug patch done this Saturday. I just can't remember if this tire has 1 or 2 plugs in it.

If there are 2 I might look into a replacement used tire (stock 275/35/19 RE050A)

You are not going to have a hard time finding used RE 050A tires. They are all over the place.

A quick glance on Ebay shows one selling for $120. Not bad!

However, they are probably patched...

You'll be fine with plugs. I ran Road America up to 135mph on the straights with 4 plugs in my rear tires. If you're using the vulcanizing plugs, you'll be A-OK. Worst that could happen is the plug dislodges and you lose air pressure. But that won't happen if you plugged them correctly with vulcanizing plugs.

Thanks, I've been reading up on the vulcanized patch/plugs and I think I'm going that route.

Does anyone know if Discount Tire does vulcanized patch plug repairs?

Interesting. I didn't think folks plugged tires at all anymore. I thought if it was bad enough to need more than a patch they would refuse to repair. 'em.

Blackjack tire plug kits. It'll be your best friend when you need it. I can plug my tires and be rolling again in under 10 minutes. The only reason service centers won't plug a puncture in the tread area is so they can sell you a new tire. Obviously these kits don't work for slices or sidewall damage.

BlackJack Tire Repair | The Leading Manufacturer and Worldwide Distributor of Tire Repair Products

I carry a plug kit in my car for emgerency

Thanks all, I got my tire plug removed today and used a patch-plug to replace it.

Hope it holds up next weekend