WHEN you think about all the expensive things at Mount Panorama on the weekend, tyres may not rate a mention.
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But tyre distributor Pirelli were on site across the Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour with a healthy supply of 2500 tyres for 30 separate race cars.
At a impressive average of $700 for each tyre, the Pirelli tent held a staggering $1.75 million worth of stock for the weekend.
Each 12 Hour car is allowed 12 sets of tyres for the weekend, while Class A receives an extra set for qualifying.
Motorsport Tyres is the Australian distributor for Italy’s Pirelli tyres, and manager Chris Montgomery is the man in the know when it comes to racing car tyres.
He said even the tiniest change in ambient or track heat or pressure can make a huge difference to the tyre’s performance.
Cars use tyres of three different compounds – soft, medium and hard. They also come in eight different sizes, and weather also plays a part in tyre selection.
“The hotter it gets, the more strain on the tyres and that reduces the life of the tyre,” Mr Montgomery said.
As the mercury climbed yesterday, this also had an impact on the tyres and the performance they gave each car.
“The ambient temperature and the track temperature are all very important,” he said.
Each time a car pulled into the pits yesterday, teams quickly checked tyre temperatures – and some topped 95-100 degrees.
Tyre pressure is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch) and Mr Montgomery said even half a PSI can make a difference to its performance.
Pirelli’s 16 staff for the 12 Hour were in constant contact with the teams.
“We work in conjunction with teams each day to make sure we’re aware of the strategies they have,” Mr Montgomery said.
“You can have the best car, the most amount of horsepower, but if you don’t have the right tyres it’s nothing,” he said. “We’re as important in running this race as the teams are.”
