Competing in wet weather is considered an art form by many. NASCAR Cup Series drivers experienced this firsthand at Richmond Raceway on Sunday, as they commenced the race using wet-weather tires. This marked a significant milestone in a Cup race, and it proved successful by all standards. NASCAR, along with Goodyear and the fans, expressed satisfaction as the race began almost on schedule and unfolded without any incidents – a win-win situation.
The entire field of 36 cars utilized wet tires for the initial 30 laps out of 400 around the short oval circuit before NASCAR implemented a competition caution. Subsequently, the cars switched to slick tires. The weather conditions had improved significantly, with the storm dissipating prior to the race start. While the cars lacked windshield wipers, mud flaps, or rear visibility lights, the use of grooved Goodyear tires allowed the race to kick off with only a 15-minute delay. This was crucial since Denny Hamlin crossed the finish line close to 11 p.m. ET. If they had waited for the track to dry completely, the race might have extended into Monday morning.
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Elton Sawyer, NASCAR’s senior vice president of competition, mentioned, “We’re focused on safety. This is only the third event where we’ve utilized wet-weather tires; we used them in the trucks at Martinsville last year and at [North] Wilkesboro. So, we have gained more experience in this aspect.”
“Our goal is to eventually entrust the teams with decisions like tire changes, leaving the strategy to them regarding when to switch tires, and minimizing the need for the sanctioning body to intervene in such matters. I believe we are moving in that direction soon, and overall, it has been a major success thanks to Goodyear, our R&D team, and Mr. [Jim] France’s vision to reach this point,” Sawyer added.
Driver feedback on the wet tires was mostly positive, adding an extra layer of challenge akin to the unique conditions at Bristol a few weeks prior. Kyle Busch, who finished 20th in his No. 8 Chevy Camaro ZL1, mentioned struggling with “zero grip on the initial launch.” The wet tires aren’t a magic solution; they simply enable racing in conditions previously deemed impractical.
It remains uncertain whether wet tires will reappear this season, but their successful utilization is promising. Should they return, it will likely be on short ovals, as NASCAR continues to withhold approval for wet superspeedway races, a decision that likely prioritizes safety. Ensuring drivers can compete safely remains the ultimate goal for all involved.
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