I didn't re-balance after I started racing them but I did swap my slicks side-to-side after every race weekend. (Also checked brake adjustment.) Slicks can and will move to varying degrees but it seemed like less as time went on and I didn't run tubes. Tubes require screws or beadlocks. I did mark the slicks in line with the valve stem and swapping them helped move them back closer to where they were when balanced during the next weekend. But if you have the time & resources, periodic checks/rebalancing is one of those "nit-picky but good ideas.

I balance my tubed 14x32's (PITA) when I bracket raced a well as my no-tube 9x30s in IHRA Stock. A good friend and very successful 10.90 racer owns a tire store and they always balance all race tires. The Hoosier rep at the races did too. Even if you don't feel an imbalance, especially in lower pressure slicks, it doesn't mean the imbalance isn't there. It can affect the tire as well as the suspension and driveshaft. You don't want any "forces", however slight, affecting the "tune" and job other parts on the car are trying to do.

I'll take them to work tomorrow and check them out

Gus

I talked to a friend at the races this weekend that makes M/T slicks at Indiana Pa and asked his opinion. He said every set of slicks should be balanced.

I read every reply.
Maybe I missed it, but I never saw any downside mentioned to balancing.

All these different opinions. Fascinating. I’ll keep balancing. Thanks for all your expertise.

Slicks with tubes? Baby powder, inflate and deflate a few times.

I stopped using tube decades ago. Some people still do. I'm a weight fanatic. If I can take that weight out of a wheel/tire assembly, I do it.

Balance. Most time a few ounces tops is all they need. Otherwise, take it apart, rotate the tire and repeat. Re-balance every few dozen runs or when ever it picks up a vibration.

Driveline and wheel/tire vibrations are very different. I've ridden with driveshafts that were put together by idiots. 7500 in the lights and everything is a blur.


These old machines did a good job.

Where they land is where I balance them because mine are glued on with high tach.

Bingo