The answer to the tire probelm/shortage/cost issue is actually simple. Allow only one tire per event that is marked after qualifying or heat races (if no qualifying). That same tire must be run for the heat and feature. If it is changed or replaced due to puncture or for any other reason, the competitor starts at the rear of the event and will not receive more than 1/2 of the event points or prize money. I would allow for a different tire if a C-Main or B-main needed to be run to make the show. Other than that, no tire rule whatsoever. You can run whatever tire you want. Soak it, sipe it, groove it, bake it, or do whatever other voodoo you want to it, but it must be only tire for the event.