Originally Posted by Jigglypuff

You sound like a novice (not in an insulting manner). If that's the case, work on your driving before you go and spend money on upgrades. Stick with whatever wheels and tires you have now, race a season or two, and then start considering R-compounds. I've recently started auto-xing my '91 Civic hatch on 13" wheels and no-name tires, and I consistently place in the last 10% in events. Do I care? Not really, since this is my learning year. I've been told numerously that the driver skill is just as important as tires.