Looking for some insight here, I have a set of 225/45r15 Rivals (not the S) that I run for HPDE's and track days, nothing competitive. I managed to get a small hole right in the shoulder area on one of them. Being that BFG hasn't made them in years, and from people I've talked to they don't plan to make them in the near future...I'm in a bit of a pickle. They only have about 3 sessions on them, barely any tread wear.

I've talked to a few people about my options, but any opinions from you guys? Run a Tube? Leak sealer? Am I screwed? I'd like to avoid buying a whole new set of tires or running mismatched, if there is a safe option to repair the leak.

Thanks in advance

 

I recently picked up a small machine screw in my 5 month old Hankook RS-3's:



The good news is that it wasn't near the shoulder, so I had a reputable local tire shop patch it from the inside. Ran a track day on it 2 months later without any issues. I really hate the idea of having a patched tire on track, but I wasn't going to replace a 5 month old extreme summer tire with lots of life left.

 

Depending on how close it is to the shoulder it may not be able to be repaired, that said even if it can be repaired I wouldn't run it on the track. You may be allowed to some places, but if it was me I wouldn't. Just my personal opinion. Any chance of finding a used one somewhere?

 

I've been looking for a used one. The main issue is most people don't get rid of like new track tires, but I'll keep my fingers crossed.

 

I ran multiple track days on a repaired tire, pretty much until they were bald. With that said, I used a plug/patch combo so I dismounted the tire and did it from the inside. Never had any issues with it. This is definitely the correct way to repair a tire in my opinion.
Do you have pictures of where the nail is? If I can fit a pinky between the nail and the sidewall I usually repair it, but I know its not ideal.

 

I can grab a photo of the damage tonight

 

This, do a proper repair and move on with life kts perfectly fine and safe. Easy way to tell if it's too close to the shoulder is to look for the little arrow that I dictates the edge of the tread, as long as its inside of that you're golden.

 

A very big thank you to Rick aka Hornetball for hooking me up with a replacement Rival. Saved me a lot of headaches and $$.

 

All I ask is that you give them an honorable death!