<VV> Stock tirez

[Padgett]

>The CORSA rulez say "Current examples of acceptable tires size 
>designations are:
185-80-13, 195-70-13, 205-70-13, 185-75-13, 175-75-13, BR-78-13,
650-13, 700-13, etc."

Interesting that a quick look at TireRack.com turns up one 185-80-13 
(Kumho) for passenger cars and none for any of the other sizes listed, in 
fact the only at all sporty size found that meets the 23" diameter 
requirement with any selection is a 185-70-13 (12 choices) is not on the 
list. The highest speed rating is a T (118 mph) and the lowest wear rating 
(indicator of hardness) is a 420 which is pretty hard. The 185/70 has a 
lower load capacity (95) than any of the listed tires but is well suited to 
a 5.5" rim.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compare1.jsp?width=185/&ratio=70&diameter=13

So obviously the rule is a bit out of date. What I would suggest is 
combining the rule for car and truck wheels "Any wheel rims may be used as 
long as width and diameter remain stock (5 1/2 x 13 for cars and 5 x 14 for 
trucks) and track may be
no more than one inch greater than stock."
to
"wheels may be either 13" or 14" diameter and no more than 5.5" wide" . 
This does not change anything that is not already there, just eliminates 
the separation.

Keep the "Any DOT tire with an aspect ratio of 70 or above, a wear rating 
180 and
above, and that measures 23 diameter or larger unloaded at 32 psi." Though 
I would change "32 psi" to "the rated tire pressure" since 32 psi has not 
been a limit for over a decade.

an alternative would be to allow either 5.5x13 or 5x14 wheels on any stock 
vehicle. This would preserve the "only stock sizes permitted" while 
allowing a greater choice for those who can only afford one set.

Personally, I prefer stock to improved stock classes for autocrossing. The 
speeds and the stresses on the car are both lower which makes it a good 
entry level class that also preserves the car.

Finally TireRack list thirty-six choices for 195/70/14s including some 
American brands and several that are H speed rated.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compare1.jsp?width=195/&ratio=70&diameter=14

Padgett