Is a plugged/patched tire a problem in Autocross?

[Steve Kosek]

Im signed up for an autocross class in LA this saturday and just flatted my front tire. Assuming I can have it plugged/patched will it be an issue running higher pressures on that tire for autocross? Im thinking of starting with 46lbs front and 36lbs rear.

It looks like the puncture is 2 inches in from the outside shoulder, prob. not an ideal spot, especially for a front tire. Im planning on rotating it to the back and hope for the best.

Any ideas?

Ive put plugs in a couple tires and never had any leaking issues after the fact. But never in a car thats autocrossed.

Steve Kosek

[stangluvr]

Patching from the inside is always best. The problem with plugs and depending on what caused the puncture is the fact that the belts can or may have been damaged. I don't think this will be a problem for the relatively low speeds of autocross, but I would seriously reconsider before using it at an open track event.

[canadasvt]

nvrmnd

[Dellcobra]

I personally would never run a plugged/patched tire in any can of perfomance driving. It could fail and even at moderate speeds that could be dangerous.

If I was doing Tech on the car and knew it had a plugged or patched tire, I would not pass it either.