Special Stage Forums banner

Sno-Drift Worker's Tire Choice

7K views 27 replies 11 participants last post by  DatsunZguy 
#1 ·
This will be my first time working with an AWD vehicle. Last year I was running a mid-sized FWD sedan with Green Diamond tires -- which were amazing on last year's ice, btw! Last year's vehicle went to son for college, so I am wondering if I can get away with a less aggressive tire considering the WRX's AWD?
I have 6 month old Uniroyal Tiger Paws all-season tires on the car now. If I can pick up some additional rims, then I can mount some Firestone Winterforce tires. I am considering sticking with the Uniroyals due to travelling from PA, tire noise, gas mileage, no extra rims right now, etc. Yes, I realize that the conditions, at that time, are the best guide, but wondering about "general" probabilites...
 
#2 ·
Dave, I've worked Snodrift for at least the last 10 years. Never had anything special for tires, just every day allweather tires on a ranger pickup, VW Jetta, and Ford Escort Wagon all 2wd. My current Dakota Pickup is 4wd but only has off road patern street tires. The only time I had any problem was after the rally in, I think 2006, when we had rain and we stayed in the lodge which is right on the last stage. A number of us got stuck heading to the lodge Saturday night or leaving the lodge Sunday morning, but the roads were so slippery, you couldn't stand on them. I wouldn't invest in any new tires just for Snodrift, but if you need them for daily driving, it wouldn't hurt to get them before Snodrift.
 
#3 ·

Thanks for the reply, Paul! I have a full set (+3 extras) of Winterforces that came with my Rex, but no rims for them. If I get a good deal, then I'll go for the extra rims, as that is the long term plan anyhow. Thanks again.
 
#4 · (Edited)
I live a bit farther north than balmy Akron and use winter tires on both quattros.
One has Winterforce, the other Nordman 2. As I'm traveling within the same state, I can only speak for Michigan. The state highway department does a good job keepng the interstates and state highways clear. The stage access roads will be at minimum, hard packed snow. You're usually on them for 5-10miles. Some years good, others no so much. If it snows during the event or your travel time, all bets are off.
Remember that it's not just aggressive tread that defines a winter tire. The compound is usually different so that the tire remains more flexible at lower temperature. There have been years when the daytime high has been single digits. Since the car came with real wintertires as part of the package, I'd shop for a wheel deal and put them on.
 
#5 ·
Since the car came with real wintertires as part of the package, I'd shop for a wheel deal and put them on.
Since you are likely to eventually need more wheels for the winter tires anyway rather than using those tires year-around, if the budget allows do it in time for the rally. If not, it probably won't be a problem with AWD. I've never had anything more than normal street tires on my Legacy or now my Volvo XC at the event and haven't had problems. I even made it out from the Lodge in the instance Paul references above and that was a pure skating rink. Good times!

See you there.
 
#6 ·
I have been to two Sno*Drift rallies recently. Drove a Subaru SW (with Yokohama IG10s) in 2008 and a Subaru Sedan (with Yokohama IG20s) in 2010.

It is a 12 hour drive to the rally and I would never consider driving to and from S*D without snow tires.

At the event, you can get around on main roads OK without snows, but if bad weather comes, snows are the way to go.

We usually drive on little used roads to spectate. Last year, I was very thankfull to have snows when we drove over some of the stage roads that had been already used.

I may not own any winter boots, but I always want to have winter boots on my car when I go to a winter rally.:rolleyes:
 
#13 ·
Thanks for everyone's replies!

I'll combine all ideas and then apply a mathematically rigorous benefit/cost ratio analysis algorithm to determine the appropriate outcome. Translation: The expected savings on my new car insurance deal did not materialize and my wife is not keen on large expenses around the Christmas season, so I'll look for a reasonable deal on some used rims. :rolleyes:

Trying to find a deal on OBS or WRX "16 rims before someone else snaps it up is like trying to find '72 240Z SU carbs and intake many years ago...
 
#14 ·
Dave--

Back to your original question. Most people in Michigan get by with just all season tires. That said, most everyone on this forum in MIchigan, have winter tires. I don't think I would work the Ranch stage with all seasons, but all the other stages are just regular roads that people use daily.

definitely, ymmv

see you there

press on,
 
#19 · (Edited)
Aah, but Dave: Doug and Bruce were referring to the requirement for snow tires in Quebec (remember snow tires, that's what the thread started out to be about). :)
 
#20 ·
Aah, but Dave: Doug and Bruce were referring to the requirement for snow tires in Quebec (remember snow tires, that's wat the thread started out to be about). :)
You're correct Kent but, what threads on SS ever stay true to their first post and title?? I was just following the current train of thought and make sure Bruce knew that Quebec wasn't the only area in north america that had archiac liquor laws.
 
#26 ·
So outside of the critiques of US/Canadian alcoholic beverage policy, the broad streams of acceptance seem to be:

1.) Don't run the Ranch w/out snows. No snows = work a start or finish, at best.

2.) All-seasons have worked for a good number of workers outside of the most challenging conditions, but "Double Caution" for all-seasons and the Ranch.

Action Plan:

1.) Keep trying to get some used OEMs for my Winterforces.

2.) Watch/listen to the weather in case of exceptional snowfall/ice. Thankfully, my radio tunes the NOAA frequencies.

I would love to see what the Green Diamonds that I ran last year would do on the WRX. We had to follow the green-light/sweep vehicle out the rally route last year from the "Delta/Pumphouse" (we didn't know any our way out otherwise.) I know that I have said this before, but the Green Diamonds were amazing on a heavier, mid-sized sedan on last year's primarily icy surface (traction control OFF).
Thanks to all for their input!
 
#27 ·
So outside of the critiques of US/Canadian alcoholic beverage policy, the broad streams of acceptance seem to be:

1.) Don't run the Ranch w/out snows. No snows = work a start or finish, at best.


---- With AWD and decent tires, you should be able to make most worker locations, there are a couple hills that are more of a struggle, but with proper planning the layout crew can get almost anyone anywhere...

2.) All-seasons have worked for a good number of workers outside of the most challenging conditions, but "Double Caution" for all-seasons and the Ranch.


I have run the ranch in an Expedition with all seasons, but the big truck may make a difference...

Action Plan:

1.) Keep trying to get some used OEMs for my Winterforces.

2.) Watch/listen to the weather in case of exceptional snowfall/ice. Thankfully, my radio tunes the NOAA frequencies.

I would love to see what the Green Diamonds that I ran last year would do on the WRX. We had to follow the green-light/sweep vehicle out the rally route last year from the "Delta/Pumphouse" (we didn't know any our way out otherwise.) I know that I have said this before, but the Green Diamonds were amazing on a heavier, mid-sized sedan on last year's primarily icy surface (traction control OFF).
Thanks to all for their input!



I have been up there in almost every condition, Snows give me a confidence that is not replaceable. I have driven AWD & RWD (trucks & vans), not sure I have driven FWD, I have only been "stuck" three times:

#1) RWD F-150, Street Tires went too far down unplowed road, lucky to get pulled out by passerby (had come-along in process).

#2) RWD E-350 Diesel - Street Tires backed too far into an unplowed drive - pulled out by S*D folks

#3) RWD E-350 Diesel - Street Tires Stuck on Slight incline of all ice (warn day)... Tow Truck


If you are relatively careful and the weather cooperates AWD and ALL Seasons will do just fine for almost every road and worker assignment. In fact based on my experience, RWD and FWD driven carefully with All Seaons will get you to almost all locations.

Now, my wish would be for everyone would be to have AWD & Snows, it would make life a lot easier.

When to be more cautious:
- when it is warn with an ice base: water on the ice creates roads that cannot be walked on and minor hills become impassable -- been up there 2-3 times in these conditions with proper equipment and did not get stuck
- Deep Snow (more than 5-6 inches) cars have a harder time moving through the deeper snow, that said traction is better, 4x4 trucks tend to have a lot of fun
- when we get the mud/ice mix it also very slippery but carefull driving usually does the trick (look to drive on the dirt/mud...)
- after the rally cars polish the road - the create two tracks of really slippery ice, snow to the sides provides better tracktion some of the time

Areas to be more careful
- The northern most stage Camp 30/ East Branch, has one section of road with a big hill, in regular conditions with decent tires not a problem, more importantly the stage can be set-up by bypassing the hill on Growler Club/ Crawl Rd (there is only one position on the road that should be staffed)
- The Ranch: However, this can be set-up without getting into the toughest areas, with a little planning, all staffed locations are on "good" roads, including the finish. If you drive the whole stage to get were you want to go, you will encounter a few stretches of 2-track that can be a little rough.... We have had peopl eget stuck on the ranch trying to get out, I'll work on better maps and directions to try and avoid this issue for this year (we will come fetch you but it can take awhile...)
- The southern most stage: East Fish Lake, Greasy Creek and variations of these stages. I don't recall anyone having problems, but there are a couple hills that could cause trouble given poor road conditions
- There are one or two other hills on the route that could cause trouble, but they are avoidable.


Summary: I can only recall 2-3 occasions where we needed to help the workers a) routed them around a hill during set-up, b) quick tug from parking spot c) on the ranch last year, a few lost sheep that Henry Joy cleaned up for us, not sure if there was a tow involved or just a need to be lead out...


You'll have more fun and a lot more confidence with the Snows - I hope you can find the wheels. If not drive carefully and you will do just fine.


And Thanks!!!
 
#28 ·
Once again to everyone, THANK YOU; the rally community is full of folks willing to share and help in a myriad of ways! :)

When all was said and done, I'll be mounting my snows on my current rims, and then trying to get some used rims in the next 4-5 months. I have missed out on several sets -- been second in line twice. This way, I'll also be better prepared for local snow and the Wellsboro Winter Rally. Started out in a RWD Datsun 260Z (still a favorite!), but AWD is fun also!:D Weekend adventure in the Rex: http://www.dirtyimpreza.com/forums/album.php?albumid=144
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top