HippoSleek

I don't think that age is so much an issue as is storage and wear. A guy w/ a cool old 2002 was running new a008's - and they were sticky hell. Now, that tire hasn't been made in probably 3 years? But w/ proper storage, it wasn't an issue.

Exposure - including hot/cold/hot/cold, rain, sunlight, etc. combined with use does have an effect. I'd wager the stickier the compound the greater the effect. Everyone I know who stores R compounds does so indoors so I think that says something.

To me, the missing peice for less feel is more likely wear. If your tires are 1.5 years old, they are likely more than a bit worn. Also, driving any type of performance tire in cold yields poor performance. I keep saying that on a sub-35 degree day, I can easily spin my RE71's into third w/ a bone stock KA. There is much less grip with any performance tire when it is cold.

Now, RA1's or V700's are among the longest lasting stickies. Two questions: 1) do you need that much grip on the streets; 2) are you really willing to substitute reduced life, increased danger, higher cost, etc. for the minimal work of changing tires at the track?

I think my next car will have a tire trailer.