Why Am I Spinning at The Track?

Well, there's many variables to this question.

What's your power level? 350-450+HP you should be fine on a prepped track with OEM tires. Now this is variable also on the track prep, and track surface temp as well. 500+RWHP you now need some radials to run on a prepped track. Not summer radials, I am talking drag racing radials. Not R888s, I am talking a tire specific for a drag racing track. You know how you go to a club or are getting ready for a dance and you have specific shoes for the specific event, well the same goes for racing. You need to have the correct compound and size tire that will benefit you.

Tire pressure also has A LOT to do with how your car will hook. You have a radial, start at 18lbs. You want this tire to grab and go. If you are on more of a no prep situation then you want to start thinking about Bi-Ply compounds. Bias Ply is more forgiving than radial but you need to be prepared to handle this softer compound. Some run tire pressure at 9lbs of air, and that can have an affect on your top end steering.

Wheel size is a huge affect on how your car will hook. Smaller the wheel means larger the tire sidewall. Larger the tire side wall mean MO HOOK. 15 inch wheels are ideal, but that will cost extra funds if you need to add a 15" conversion. Is it worth it? YES. Not only are tires and wheels cheaper, but you will also have more of a range of tire and wheel selection.

Now don't forget your fronts. Your front wheel/tire is just as important to your build as your rears. Think about how your car can hook (IRS setup, non chassis car). It's based on squat, weight transfer, and tire touch. If you have less weight on the front, and push you weight to the rear when you launch, you will have a more successful chance of hooking. You want to match your compounds from front to rear as well, this will minimize further suspension issues.

Tire size and wheel size. You gotta think about what you're asking the car to do. Tire size is based on little of a tire you think you are able to hook on. I know the "forums" will tell you to put on the biggest possible, but think about what you are asking the car to do. The larger the tire, the more rotating mass your car has to move. That takes up power and time. Think smart and see how small of a tire you can get on there so the less your car has to work. In regards to making the car hook on tire size try to match the height from front to rear. If you go too small in front (Height wise) and large in back (Heigh wise) it will be harder for the car to weight transfer.