Drag Radials

[treessavoy]

Originally Posted by Rick Schilling

It seems that a 10" rim with a radial tire is probably the most popular combination being used right now. I understand the logic behind that, with increased air pressure and decreased rolling resistance, etc., but what about the somewhat old school approach of using a narrower rim and a tire designed to grow a significant amount, allowing the final drive ratio to raise as wheel speed increases. I seem to remember a time when some of the tire manufacturers offered "high-growth" sportsman tires. The variable ratio effect would seem to me to be a real advantage if utilized properly ( i.e. steeper gearing) or has the wide rim/radial tire combination actually been proven to be that much better?

The reason I brought this up is that at one time there was a theory that wide tires on a narrower rim would provide more "bite" at launch due to the flattening of the tire providing all 9 inches at the hit, also the tire growth on the other end.

The other theory was that a wide rim with a narrower tire planted the tire for a longer period as the car accelerated from the line.

Just wanted to hear which wheel everyone was using with the radial.