Over the years of racing, I've come up with a few life hacks for some of the more mundane maintenance procedures. One of the more important is tire prep.
Although this covers off road tires, this applies to on road racing as well. I've always been one to prep and clean my tires before each run for a couple reasons. One: it provides consistent grip each time out, thus removing a variable. Two: I love grip. Who doesn't?
Here we have my trusty set of JConcepts "Dirt Webs" tires for my 2WD buggy. I love these tires, to put it lightly, and wear has been pretty good, even with constant prep and saucing. As you can see, they are a bit dirty from my last practice run. Before I put them away for storage, I'll clean and sauce them, just as I do at the track before each run. Here's the steps I use to get my dirty tires fresh again.
First, I like to use a stiff-bristle brush to get and loose dirt out of the tread. This finger brush works great for this step. I like to go across the tire, with just enough pressure to loosen up and caked-on dirt. This step only take a few seconds per tire, but really aids in getting the entire tread and surface completely clean.
Time to clean these kicks. I've been using "Bio Wash" by Maxima Racing Oils, and really like how it works. I originally bought this stuff for cleaning mountain bike parts, but after trying it on tires, I was sold. The great thing about this stuff is it doesn't dry the rubber out over time. It also dries super quick and leaves no residue, just a clean tire ready for sauce. I use Bio Wash to clean before each pack, and the tires only feel better over time.
I start by dribbling a bead of Bio Wash down the center of the tire, you don't need a ton of this stuff, just enough to create a small "lather" effect.
Once I have my bead started, I just lightly lather and massage the cleaner into the tire, just like I'm applying traction compound. Again, this only take a few seconds, because we just used a brush to get the loose dirt off. All we are really doing is massaging the cleaner over the tread, letting it do it's job. I like to use this long applicator brush that Sticky Kicks sells. I'm able to cover the whole surface of the tire with one swipe.
Once you have your tire lathered up, grab a blue shop towel and wrap the tire completely. While I have it wrapped, I usually massage the tire with my hands. This helps soak up any residual cleaner, as well as force any cleaner that may have made it's way into the vent holes, out. Maxima recommends that you don't let the cleaner air dry, so it's best to use the towel method.
After about 10-15 seconds drying under the towel, your tire will look like the one on the right. Clean and ready for sauce. Compare that to the dirty tire to the right, and it's quite the difference. You'll notice the natural soft "tackiness" come back to the tire once they are fully dry. This method actually works pretty well in lieu of saucing for practice days, if you're worried about tire wear. The natural grip brought out by the cleaner is money.
Time for sauce. I've used Sticky Kicks excusively since switching to off road, for a few reasons: I love the array of choices depending on grip levels, the ease of application, and the shear amount of grip it produces. I never thought I'd hear a rubber tire howling on a dirt sweeper. I also really dig how this stuff is more of a "conditioner" than a compound. Because of this you get a softer tire, and much less tire wear, even with their aggressive "yellow" blend. After a quick spray to coat each tire, I quickly massage the "Sticky" in with a soft brush, such as the Dirt Racing Products liquid application brush. Let em' soak for about 15 mins, and you're dialed. #Braap.
Disclaimer: I'm not a pro, I'm just a guy that enjoys this hobby, and all the bitchin' things that come with it. I also enjoy consistency that comes from clean kicks each time I hit the track, whether it be On-Road or Off-Road racing. This method of cleaning gives me quick, consistent results every time. To me, it's just one less variable that need to worry about. I'm able to hit quick, consistent lap times, even in practice on a green, damp track. As the grip comes up, the tires stay drivable without that "knife-edge" feeling. Sticky and sweet. ✌🏼
Peace & Hot laps.
-Jroy386
