Enhancing tire management adds a significant level of excitement to short-track stock car races. This unforeseen element in teams’ strategies was evident during Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol, which arguably stands out as the most thrilling event we’ve witnessed in years. Surpassing even the recent dirt races at the track, enthusiasts are now eager for more such experiences. Among them is tire provider Goodyear, which is actively exploring methods to replicate a similar level of captivating wear using new compounds for forthcoming races.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Goodyear Director of Racing Greg Stucker disclosed to Road & Track the desire for a recurrence of the same fervor. However, he stressed the necessity of understanding why the tires exhibited such characteristics initially. Once this is determined, the aim is to moderate the wear slightly to avoid sudden deterioration. Given that tires were losing their effectiveness after 40 to 50 laps, whereas a typical fuel run at Bristol comprises approximately 190 laps, a more balanced approach is sought after.
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“Our current focus involves examining the Bristol race to establish reasons behind the deviation in tire behavior compared to last fall,” expressed Stucker to R&T. “Drivers have been advocating for increased tire wear to enhance their control by emphasizing tire management, alongside assisting crew chiefs in achieving optimal vehicle balance. During our trial at Bristol last June, we took strides to induce more wear, which translated into favorable outcomes during the September ’23 race.”
Regarding the recent developments, Stucker elaborated, “Following the latest weekend event, we must now examine the reasons for the atypical track response in contrast to last fall—was there a variance in track preparation, given the application of resin in the corners as opposed to the previous use of PJ1 [another grip-enhancing race surface compound]. On Sunday, there was an alteration in the wear pattern for some unidentified reason. This was not attributed to any structural flaw within the tire itself; rather, the tread wear led to a diminishing grip.”
Initially, some individuals reacted negatively to the tire wear; however, Denny Hamlin, the victor of Sunday’s Food City 500, promptly reassured fans that it was beneficial. As noted by Kelly Crandall from Racer, there is no need for overreactions. Hamlin emphasized that it was “the first time the driver took on a significant role in a prolonged period,” a positive change that resonated with many.
While some may advocate for the thrill of having 1,000 horsepower accessible, as hinted by Kyle Larson on The Dale Jr. Download last week, this could be a straightforward task for prominent teams like Hendrick. However, it might deter other teams and potential new manufacturers that prefer a more conservative power output. Achieving an ideal balance between power and tire management could greatly enhance the entertainment quotient of on-track activities.
Undoubtedly, striking this equilibrium will be a learning process. Nevertheless, if Cup Series races on Sundays incorporate more strategic elements and skill, it is unlikely to draw complaints from fans.
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