Anybody notice a significant traction difference between a set of new R-compound tires carefully stored for 6 months versus a set new from the dealer?

End of season tire sales seem to be under way, with the price Tire Rack is selling the new Dunlop and a dealer up here selling off A032s and A048s now would be a good time to buy based on price. But how much tradeoff is there?

Keep in mind this is for a couple of noobs, one starting autcross in the spring and one doing time trials / lapping.

 

Fresh is always better. It's not a huge difference as heat cycles will use up the tire quicker than age, but I always notice.

I don't keep tires after a season, they'll be harder next season no matter how you store them. I buy new tires for competition and keep the old set for track day use. They old ones take a long time to come up to temp but once they do they're about 85%-90% good as new.