Heat cycling new R-compound tires

I track regularly at DEs and have multiple events on both Pirelli Rossos and Bridgestone S-03s. I'm running OEM tire sizes on 18's, 225/40 f and 285/30 r. I plan on springing for a set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cups and the question of heat cycling came up. This is my first experience with R-compounds. I wanted a DOT legal R-compound tire that I could drive on to the track (~100 miles each way). What exactly is needed to get the MPSCs up to "speed"? Is heat cycling really necessary or will the drive up with an appropriate cool down period be enough? Any insight is appreciated...

A couple of points on heat cycling. First, it is the process of getting new tires hot and then allowing them to "cure". In theory, it extends the useful life of the tire. Heat cycling cannot be done by driving to the track. You will have trouble getting your tires hot enough to make a difference on the street. It would also provide too short a cure time. To cure properly, the tires should be removed from the car and allowed to sit for an extended period. The Hoosier guys say that anything less than a week is a waste of time. I'm not sure about Michelins. Since getting tires hot and then taking them off and storing them for a week is a real hassle, Tire Rack has a heat cycling service. This might be worth considering if you are buying your tires from them however I have heard that the process they use for heating up the tires does not do an adequate job of heating the edges. I could be wrong about this. Finally, you have to ask yourself if heat cycling is really necessary. Everyone agrees that it extends the life of Hoosiers but I've heard differing opinions on MPSCs. I guess it can't hurt. Hope this helps, Jim

I am interested in the answers as well. I have a brand new set of DOT R-compounds, Dunlop Super Sort Race, not heat cycled, sitting in my garage waiting for the spring DE season. I plan to drive them to the track, then use them for the weekend, then drive them back. They then come off until the next DE, usually a month later. I realize that they won't be cured the first weekend, they may not even have the release compunds scruubed off until the first run. But, can I consider them heat cycled the next DE weekend a month later?

First we should probably clarify some terminology. A "heat cycle" refers to each time you get a track tire hot and let it cool down. Track tires tend to be good for a certain number of heat cycles before they begin to loose their grip. For DE you don't need to worry about this. You just keep using them until they are worn out. For racing it's more important to understand where the tires are in their lifecycle. Now, having said that, the heat cycle we are talking about is the very first one. The tire breakin if you will. Palting asked "But, can I consider them heat cycled the next DE weekend a month later?" No. Maybe someone out there has an explaination of the chemical process that takes place the first time the tires get hot but all I know is what I've been told by tire engineers. To properly break-in a track tire, the first time it is used you need to get it good and hot and then let it sit for an extended period of time. You can't just use it for a weekend and then let it sit around for awhile. Warning: Palting, this information may be all wrong for your tires. I have no experience with them. As I mentioned before. If you have a chance to heat cycle your tires that's great but most of us just fill'em up and run them. It's only going to make a marginal difference anyway. Jim

JimB, Thanks for the information. I'd like to find out more about the MPSCs. If I just slap 'em on and go, am I significantly affecting the tire lifespan or performance? Tirerack did offer to heat cycle the tires for $15 each.

Its really easy to heat cycle your tires if Tire Rack does it. For some small amount ($15 per??) they do it, stamp your tire so it can be verified, and take any of your (and more particularly my) lack of knowledge and understanding about heat cycling and lay it to rest. It's what I did and it worked fine!!

Here's more info on Michelin heat cycling: Heat Cycling

Thanks. This has been a learning thread or me. What I come away with is that it's a good idea, but the performance improvements are marginal. Even Tire Rack concedes that. So, I guess if you're not racing, just go ahead and enjoy those tires!!