Patching slicks ok?

[wheming]

Last week racing i thought it was unusual that one of my slicks was a couple psi lower than the other when i was checking before a run. Then later when i was changing the tires i saw it lower still. So i knew i had a leak somewhere.
Aired up the now flat slick to find a tiny little puncture in the tread.

You wont be able to see in the pic, but the paint marker indicates location.
Is it ok to patch slicks from the inside? I'm sure plugging is not an option. There's alot of life left and hoping i can get full use out of these.

[MILKCARTON]

Yea, I have done it several times, or you could tube it but they are heavy.

[BadAssPerformance]

Run a tube in it. I lost a slick in the Daytona in 4th gear once.. bent the bogart (requiring a new outer shell) and scuffed oil pan on track... plus when the slick went while braking that wheel locked up while the tire just flopped around so it was like having only one front brake trying to stop the car.

[cordes]

+1 for the tube. I attempted to patch a slick once. It was way different than a normal tire and it didn't take. I'm sure if I was more used to it I could have more success.

[wheming]

So today i went to a shop where several of the staff race. They came recommended from a racer i work with. They recommended just a simple plug. Checked it following repair with soap, and no leaks.

I asked while there about if they balance drag slicks, and they do. I know it is one of those debated topics.
I do want them to give Mini a front end alignment, as i don't feel i got what i wanted the last time it was aligned. Might try to get that before Cecil.

[Sgt Craig]

So today i went to a shop where several of the staff race. They came recommended from a racer i work with. They recommended just a simple plug. Checked it following repair with soap, and no leaks.

I asked while there about if they balance drag slicks, and they do. I know it is one of those debated topics.
I do want them to give Mini a front end alignment, as i don't feel i got what i wanted the last time it was aligned. Might try to get that before Cecil.

I wouldnt suggest just a plug.What happens with plugs is air will get under inner liner and can cause failure.A plug/patch would be best or tubes like mentioned above.http://image.made-in-china.com/2f0j0...Patch-Plug.jpg

[contraption22]

I would imagine a plug might get pulled out of a slick. Plugs in highway tires are protected by the tread, but in a slick, it would be in contact with the track surface.

[wheming]

How they do it you end up with a knot on the inside of the tire.
That will keep it from pulling out. I marked the sidewall so i can look for the spot again, but after the next time out i don't think you'll be able to see it.