At the last autox a guy was raving about that stuff you spread on old race tires to put some "sticky" back into them. Anybody else actually use this stuff, and does it do any good?

 

It's called Formula-V. I used it on go-kart tires, worked like a champ. For it to be really effective, though, you need to apply it several times over a good period of time. Brought some soft compound tires back to actually being soft (instead of harder than my hard compounds). I haven't used it on any big tires, but I can't imagine it would be much different...

Definitely worth the money.

 

We used to use different types of it on my dad's circle track car on the Hoosiers and Mcreary,Mcleary?(have not raced those type in awhile), and Goodyear slicks. It worked great in Qualifying but ate the tires up during the main event. We used to put the stuff on cheese clothe material and wrap the tire up in celophane wrap for the week. I have seen FM guys use it in auto X with good results.

 

There are several actually. Several are snake oyl and don't really work, but the Forumla V is something that takes older tires that have maybe gotten hard from age or heat cycles and bring them back to close to what new tires would be. It is good and I have used it when I was racing on a huge budget to make my tires last longer.

To find it, either do a google search for "Formula V Traction Treatment" and find the best deal closest to you.

For the other products, get a copy of Circle Track magazine or Stock Car racing and look through the ads.

 

Thanks!

 

I use Formula V two days before I tow to the track. three coats per day. helps revitalize and restickify tires. do it when it's cold out, otherwise the heat will evaporate the Formula V.

then once back from the track i clean all my wheels and tires, and put 3 coats on each tire. then put them in black plastic bag and zip tie the top. helps preserve them. my neighbors must think i'm crazy with my latex gloves, goggles, mask and a thin napp paint roller 'painting' my tires and stacking them up.

 

discoveryparts.com has it.

 

Ain't those things like ultra toxic?

 

Nope, not toxic, but I sure wouldn't drink it. In karting, they used to use some stuff that was put on telephone poles to keep them from rotting. I forgot the name, but it was VERY cancerous and very dangerous. There used to be quite a few bad things out there, but mostly were used by local folks who had no idea whats going on.

I've got a awesome tire softener, much better than any of the marketed ones. I'm sworn to secrecy though. Argh !

Just look for liquids that attack rubber. Then don't expect to get as many miles out of your tires they will wear down, but they will stick like glue.

-Shannon