I was wondering if anyone could help me out and give me a recommendation for the move up to R-compounds. I have a 2001 Z3 3.0i with strut bar, sway bars, springs, shocks, intake, exhaust, roll bar, etc. I like doing a lot of driving schools in addition to the BMW chapter autocross events and I don't want to get separate dedicated tires for either, so I need a compromise tire. I also want to get the same size tire all the way around (as opposed to staggered set-up) so that rules out Hoosiers, which don't come in the size I need (or I would have to roll my fenders, etc). Therefore, I'm considering basically two kinds of tire - the Kuhmo Ecsta V700 and the Yokohama A032R. The Yokohama is about $35 more per tire, so about $140 more per set. I have heard that the Yokohamas wear a lot better and that the Kuhmos don't last as long, meaning earlier replacement and probably negating the price difference. I have also heard that a lot of people like the Yokos on the track but that it's almost a street tire where you can drive the Yokos to the track but give up a little performance and stick. Does anyone have an opinion on this? I definitely want to be on the R-compound for the driving schools I'm doing later in the year and to *begin* to compare myself to the guys at the top of the AutoX time sheets. I know I'll never compete with the guys on Hoosiers with buckets more HP than I have but it's a start... Also, are there other alternatives I haven't considered?

Thanks a lot for your help and advice in advance.

Regards,
Mike Gilbert