You NEVER have to apologize for having good tires... but then, nobody was suggesting that you don't need good tires, just that the more important thing is that you need to get more wheel-time. My experience tells me that it is more important to practice on the good tires you will be racing on, than it is to practice on crappy street tires... that said, any practice is good practice.
Shortly after I took possession of my SVT, I took it to my favorite/local track to feel it out. I went out as is (stock Conti DWSs on all four and mystery alignment) with the intermediate group (because I felt more comfortable having some experience behind me when someone was waiting to get around)... on track with cars that were very similar in power-to-weight and with some much more powerful cars. It was hilarious. Hilariously noisy and hilariously slidey. I caught, but could never pass a Honda with less power, but better tires and Eibach suspension, because I couldn't hold enough speed through the corners to take him either exiting a corner or in a straight, and couldn't wait long enough to brake to take him on entry. You always must have good light wheel/tire combo (as wide as the rules allow)... don't let anybody tell you differently.
