Wheels & Tyres
There is a lot to consider here but the basic philosophy is this; the smaller and lighter your wheel and tyre combination is, the quicker your car will accelerate and brake.
Big wheels and ultra low profile tyres look good, but they may not necessarily provide you with the best grip on the track.
A bigger wheel is typically heavier and therefore will need more energy to move at the same rate as a smaller wheel. Also, with bigger wheels usually come lower profile tyres or even stretched tyres and this typically means less grip. The tyre needs a certain amount of flexibility and softness to provide maximum grip. More grip = better handling = faster times.
As an example; a 215/40R17 tyre will have more grip on a 7" wide wheel, than it will on an 8" wide wheel. This is due to the tyre being more flexible in the right places, having a larger 'Contact Patch' and therefore being able to conform to the track surface better.
You don't need race or competition tyres to be quick on the track. You just need 4 tyres that have good tread that is the same or very similar in pattern. Obviously, the more you spend on tyres the better the grip you'll have, and the faster your times will be, but you don't need to spend a fortune to get good results.
You may need to try a few combinations before you get the right solution for your car.
Also, wheel alignments can make a huge difference to tyre wear and traction, so make sure that you're getting your wheels aligned regularly.
Always consult your wheel and tyre specialist before making a decision or change regarding wheels and tyres for your car, and if in doubt...ask.
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