We have found the only time new rubber is a significant advantage is in the winter months when the track surface temperature is below 10DegC. In the summer there is often a significant advantage to use old rubber as it will reduce grip in the early laps, as Richard says once there is loads of rubber on the track you will only be using the compound in your own tyres for the first 1 or 2 laps and will have the same pick up as the others after that. Karting is an expensive sport so why spend money on tyres in the summer is there is no advantage.
Having raced at the front at club level for a couple of years and have seen a number of new lads & dads who want to chuck money at cadet racing, they normally start with numerous different engines/sealers and then new tyres at every meeting eventually they realise that there is more time in the chassis set up and driver so either run in a “shinny sticker” team or employ a driver coach/mechanic. This is normally where they gain the most time or the penny drops and they realise that it is about being patient and letting the driver have as much seat time as possible .
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