This weekend marked a milestone for the Vitour P1 tire: a victory in ChampCar! While we’re not entirely sure if this is the first win for Vitour in the series, we’re confident it won’t be the last. These tires have proven themselves not only competitive but also race-winning material. Here’s a breakdown of how the P1s performed on the track.
Unmatched Grip and Performance
Right out of the gate, the Vitour P1s showcased incredible grip—by far the stickiest tires we’ve ever run. The improvement was so significant that it took me a few laps to adjust and fully catch up to what the car was capable of. The result? We bested our previous lap times by more than 2 seconds per lap. That’s not just incremental improvement—that’s transformative.
Driving Characteristics
- At the Limit: The P1s are incredibly easy to drive up to the limit. Once you reach their peak, they tend to fall off abruptly, much like an R-compound tire, which requires quick reactions.
- Control in a Slide: Even when pushed past their peak, the P1s are highly controllable. They’re easy to catch in a slide, giving drivers confidence to push the car hard.
- Braking: Astonishing. With our horsepower levels, the tires nearly eliminated the need for throttle modulation on corner exits—a testament to their grip and braking performance.
Durability and Longevity
With ambient temperatures ranging from 25°F to 40°F, the P1s held up remarkably well over the course of the endurance race. Here’s a breakdown:
- The less-loaded side of the car lasted 8+ hours.
- The more heavily loaded side managed about 4 hours.
- In total, the race required six tires, with the four left-side tires wearing down completely smooth by the end.
Race Performance
- For the first three hours, the P1s gave us a 2-second-per-lap advantage over the rest of the field.
- After about three hours, peak performance began to decline. Even so, the P1s remained competitive, matching the lap times of other “super 200” tires in the field.
- The last hour was an intense duel with a similarly built car on another super 200 tire. Despite the long stint, the P1s held their own, and lap times were identical.
A Winning Formula
The Vitour P1 has proven to be a game-changer in ChampCar. Their performance, from incredible grip and braking to their ability to hold steady against the competition, underscores why this tire is turning heads in motorsports. While we’re thrilled with this first victory, we know it’s just the beginning.
For anyone looking to take their lap times to the next level or seeking a tire that combines exceptional grip with race-ready durability, the Vitour P1 is ready to deliver.
Stay tuned—there’s plenty more to come from Vitour on the track!
