In reply to randyracer :
^ This. Probably the best way ultimately to manage tire qualifications is via categorizing (into 3-5 tiers) based on actual performance in autocross and in time trials through tests like Andy does and then adjusting based on real world (competitive) results. Sounds difficult at first glance, but in reality it isn't. Andy's testing provides reproducible and verifiable results that align with other testing I've seen.
Love this sidebar rundown of 'tire history'! Great reference as development goes on
My former employer used "rolling road" machines to evaluate tire wear. The tire was set up on a driven hub that articulates like car suspension through camber, caster, steering, etc.... The tire is driven against a conveyor belt sort of like a giant belt sander. LOL
They can vary the speed of the tire, the load, cornering forces, slip versus the road, etc... to accomplish highly accelerated wear testing. Of course, they also use high level finite element analysis and other computational tools before a tire ever is physically tested on a machine or a test track.
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