Re: Traction compound and tracks that hook.
 

I don't think you can buy the concentrate any longer. Ca. EPA. I was told it comes pre mixed for application. At least one track operator told me this and it has doubled in cost also. Might not be the same back yonder.


BP

Re: Traction compound and tracks that hook.
 

There is a lot to track prep... Not all about the compound used and there are several different mixes. One issue I've always had is the direction of the drag.
That is how the base rubber is put down and I think it should be done in a specific direction. Don't we rotate tires because of how the rubber shears?
Tell me what is different about the rubber put on the track?
What is the predominant tire brand/type used at the track? I feel that makes a difference.
I ran three tracks back in the 70's and they were all different compositions of asphalt. They required different methods and materials to prep. It might be easier today with the concrete. Didn't have it back in the day.

Re: Traction compound and tracks that hook.
 

Larry. Ohio Valley switched back to VHT this year and the track has been excellent. Their prior use of VP cost them a lot of racers.

Re: Traction compound and tracks that hook.
 

My experience with VP has not been good. Stick cars, and others that need wheel speed appear to like VP better. Too much spraying and not enough dragging is what many smaller tracks seem to lean toward. They just don't know. VHT now comes pre mixed with methanol, and one local guy told me two drums supposedly the same mix are often different colors. Makes you wonder.

Re: Traction compound and tracks that hook.
 

Being race director at Speedworld in AZ we have been using strip grip for a couple years now. Temperature determines the the mix ratio. We scrub track and drag the track and drag in the gold dust on bald spots. Sometimes light glue or heavy gluing done by the speed of tractor when spraying. Is the track great? Sometimes yes and sometimes just ok.For instance if we have import night we lose so much rubber on starting line and have to drag alot to get a base before glueing. Also how much base we have determines when to scrape track. Its not for lack of trying it seems to be more temp related and type of cars for the day.

Re: Traction compound and tracks that hook.
 

Guys Please understand that spraying does not constitute track prep dragging and scaping and treating bald spots do! compound plays a big part also, lebanon valley has great prep on sunday and good prep on saturday mostly because alot of street cars and imports are there on saturdays .......

Re: Traction compound and tracks that hook.
 

Mason-Dixon Dragway in Hagerstown MD uses un-cut VHT, and the track works very well, even when it is in the 40's in November.

Re: Traction compound and tracks that hook.
 

I think Jeff Stout said it best when he said, "We scrub the track..." I don't care what is used or how it's done. You first have to start with a clean surface. Can't paint a room until the walls are clean first. That is if you expect a good job.

Re: Traction compound and tracks that hook.
 

My local track switched last year about the end of july to VP LC7 from VHT. The VHT was starting to "roll" when the track got up about 120-130 deg. This was the best thing they ever did. VP seems to withstand alot of racing and even street cars a lot better than VHT did. Yes, they scrape when the rubber gets to thick. I think alot of people have had a bad experince with the Vp LC6. The LC7 is great stuff. Espcially when used with the liquid rosin that VP reccomends. Running on the VP has greatly made 60ft times more consistant and repeatable thru-out the day. I have to agree, the over-all track prep is the most important, but have heard alot of bad things about VHT recently. And another benefit of VP, no need to cut it so no methanol expense.