You know, Cup 2s have probably been discussed to the point of nausea. But there are always fresh faces coming in, and sometimes, you don't really get it.. until you try it for yourself.
The Fishtail
A few days ago, I had some free time and decided to make my way up to Tail of the Dragon. It's about a three hour drive for me but that's just an excuse to hop into my Lotus and play some music. I've probably driven more miles than most in my life, except for maybe people who drive for a living so, three hours is barely a trip. Before my tires were warmed up, I felt a bunch of eyes of me. It was probably in my head but you know the feeling.. so in response a childish side of me took over and I decided to take the freeway onramp like I was Ayrton Senna. The tires weren't warmed up and the road had some patchwork fillings and wasn't in the best of condition so there was a little bit of uneven pavement but nothing drastic. Without much warning, at cornering end, I felt my tires sliding.. it was smooth like sliding on ice.. a solid two seconds in one direction and then back. I then realized I was looking straight on to road sign and for a brief moment I thought.. well I guess this is it.. it was a pretty wild back and forth fishtail.. but in reality.. I was pretty safe the whole time because no cars were around in the immediate vicinity. I like to think that my instinctive reactions with the steering wheel saved me but.. it might have been God or just sheer luck. I just had my first oil change at 5000 miles and I've already taken the Emira up to Six Gap numerous times for some seriously aggressive driving. So, the Cup 2s are nearing the end of their prime lifespan.
The Rain
The rain.. not on this day thankfully... but I've had a few unfortunate days where heavy literally pouring unexpected rain diverted plans. This is my first experience with Cup 2s so I was a bit paranoid. However, I can tell you that its not bad as long as you take precaution and don't have a death wish which makes sense because they are street legal. With that said, they are far from ideal for wet/cold conditions and street imperfections increasing the likelihood of a mishap compared to something more all-season. If you are going to street the Cup 2s.. take precaution.
The Problem
Streeting Cup 2s in an Emira, in my opinion, can lead to over-confidence. Under the right conditions, the tires are so damn good at grip, that human beings like you and me, it can lead to disaster. If I had fishtailed like that under different circumstances.. it could have been real bad. And for this reason, I can't recommend streeting these tires unless you have a strict regimen and are a highly risk-averse driver. Unlike the track, roads are much more unpredictable. I just don't think its worth the headache. But it is doable, rain or shine.
The Dragon
After the fishtail, I took me about 30 seconds to regain my composure. I thought for a second, did they see me? And, is this a sign from God not to go to the Dragon today? But, I thought... I'll just take it a little easy.. just go up there and get a feel for it. Go at it 75% instead of all-in. I mean I've already mentally prepared for this. I'm practically there in my head and.. I wouldn't want that to go to waste.
Like Six Gap, when approaching from the South, the Dragon has a little bit of a preface, little stretches of windy roads, cool little places, and great views. It's like a little prep for what's to come.. a little warmup. And then, it's about 10 to 15 minutes of the best driving I've ever experienced. It's similar to Six Gap, but much shorter and compact. It's like the best parts of Six Gap packaged up into a short burst. But what really makes it special, is the setting. I was there just at he beginning of sunset and I literally thought I was in a magical forest of winding roads with great mountain views slightly obstructed in the distance. And at the exit, there are a few miles of beautiful mountain/lake views to cool down, take it easy, and celebrate the experience. And then, you do it all over again in reverse. For those that take things too seriously, I mean you turn around and do it again, not using the reverse gear. It was definitely worth the drive.
The Fishtail
A few days ago, I had some free time and decided to make my way up to Tail of the Dragon. It's about a three hour drive for me but that's just an excuse to hop into my Lotus and play some music. I've probably driven more miles than most in my life, except for maybe people who drive for a living so, three hours is barely a trip. Before my tires were warmed up, I felt a bunch of eyes of me. It was probably in my head but you know the feeling.. so in response a childish side of me took over and I decided to take the freeway onramp like I was Ayrton Senna. The tires weren't warmed up and the road had some patchwork fillings and wasn't in the best of condition so there was a little bit of uneven pavement but nothing drastic. Without much warning, at cornering end, I felt my tires sliding.. it was smooth like sliding on ice.. a solid two seconds in one direction and then back. I then realized I was looking straight on to road sign and for a brief moment I thought.. well I guess this is it.. it was a pretty wild back and forth fishtail.. but in reality.. I was pretty safe the whole time because no cars were around in the immediate vicinity. I like to think that my instinctive reactions with the steering wheel saved me but.. it might have been God or just sheer luck. I just had my first oil change at 5000 miles and I've already taken the Emira up to Six Gap numerous times for some seriously aggressive driving. So, the Cup 2s are nearing the end of their prime lifespan.
The Rain
The rain.. not on this day thankfully... but I've had a few unfortunate days where heavy literally pouring unexpected rain diverted plans. This is my first experience with Cup 2s so I was a bit paranoid. However, I can tell you that its not bad as long as you take precaution and don't have a death wish which makes sense because they are street legal. With that said, they are far from ideal for wet/cold conditions and street imperfections increasing the likelihood of a mishap compared to something more all-season. If you are going to street the Cup 2s.. take precaution.
The Problem
Streeting Cup 2s in an Emira, in my opinion, can lead to over-confidence. Under the right conditions, the tires are so damn good at grip, that human beings like you and me, it can lead to disaster. If I had fishtailed like that under different circumstances.. it could have been real bad. And for this reason, I can't recommend streeting these tires unless you have a strict regimen and are a highly risk-averse driver. Unlike the track, roads are much more unpredictable. I just don't think its worth the headache. But it is doable, rain or shine.
The Dragon
After the fishtail, I took me about 30 seconds to regain my composure. I thought for a second, did they see me? And, is this a sign from God not to go to the Dragon today? But, I thought... I'll just take it a little easy.. just go up there and get a feel for it. Go at it 75% instead of all-in. I mean I've already mentally prepared for this. I'm practically there in my head and.. I wouldn't want that to go to waste.
Like Six Gap, when approaching from the South, the Dragon has a little bit of a preface, little stretches of windy roads, cool little places, and great views. It's like a little prep for what's to come.. a little warmup. And then, it's about 10 to 15 minutes of the best driving I've ever experienced. It's similar to Six Gap, but much shorter and compact. It's like the best parts of Six Gap packaged up into a short burst. But what really makes it special, is the setting. I was there just at he beginning of sunset and I literally thought I was in a magical forest of winding roads with great mountain views slightly obstructed in the distance. And at the exit, there are a few miles of beautiful mountain/lake views to cool down, take it easy, and celebrate the experience. And then, you do it all over again in reverse. For those that take things too seriously, I mean you turn around and do it again, not using the reverse gear. It was definitely worth the drive.
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