Between the closure of Stewart-Haas Racing, the Charter Agreement, and driver penalties, tire compounds found their way into the early 2024 NASCAR debate hall. But why have talks about tires popped back up?
In 2024, NASCAR’s short track and road course racing is a shadow of what it once was. On those tracks, the NASCAR Next-Gen car has had a less-than-stellar record, with a major issue being drivers struggling to pass each other.
Many fans were worried about Bristol returning to concrete after three years on dirt. The track is one of many that has seen the effects of Next Gen short track racing. However, this year’s spring Bristol race saw a dramatic story told flag to flag with tires shredding around the track.
The tires falling apart quickly is a positive for the racing product, as it forces the teams to plan for and deal with the tires as part of their strategy. Many of the complaints about the short tracks previously centered around the lack of tire wear, which removed an element of competition (and entertainment) for fans.
The need for strategy throughout the race, both on the pit box and behind the wheel, made great racing. However, this was not planned, as the Tennessee weather affected tire wear. After the spring Richmond race and another failed short-track package, fans, NASCAR, and Goodyear knew something had to change.
NASCAR and Goodyear announced that the All-Star Race would serve as a proving ground for a new “option tire.” The option tire has a much softer compound, similar to a wet weather tire with no tread, compared to the primary tire and its harder compound.
Teams qualified on the primary tire and started the race on an option tire. Unfortunately, the performance at Wilkesboro was not what most hoped it would be. Due to the new tire not falling off at the rate NASCAR expected it would on North Wilkesboro’s new surface.
NASCAR and Goodyear doubled down a few weeks ago at Richmond, with teams using the primary tire for qualifying and then having two sets of option tires to use whenever teams liked. The older surface at Richmond and longer racing helped with the tire’s performance, with most marking it as a success.
So, if this option tire is the future of NASAR, what does it bring to the table?
Tire wear and fall-off are the keys to the option tire. A softer compound, like the option tire, falls off faster while having more grip and quicker lap times on the track.
Tire fall-off is how lap times decrease as a tire is used. After a certain number of laps, the softer tire begins to wear down, the car’s speed slows, and your lap times get slower.
Tire wear is the most important aspect of the option tire. A driver using the option tire can choose to go all out and get to the front of the pack. But, in doing so, they risk using up their fresh set of tires quicker than some using the slower and harder primary tire.
Crews have to manage the now multiple options for tires by strategizing around fall-off rather than fuel strategy alone. Teams must also account for what tire their opponents are racing and when they use their differing tires.
So, why are tires back on top of the NASCAR conversation pile?
Road courses, like short tracks, have seen the negative effects of the Next Gen cars’ passing problems. Goodyear and NASCAR are addressing this before this weekend at Watkins Glen. However, we may not have seen the last of option tires this season.
NASCAR and Goodyear held a tire test in late June at Watkins Glen International. This test allowed the two parties to find a new road course tire with more fall-off. The reported results shocked fans and drivers.
The estimated four seconds of fall-off is a lot. However, that number is more likely three seconds of fall-off, which is still extremely significant.
This compound means aggressive Road Course racers like Tyler Reddick and Shane Van Gisbergen may have to play it semi-safe this weekend. Regardless, while this new tire is not the option tire, the option tire has multiple opportunities to return this late this year.
Bristol is unlikely to have the tire, as it is next week. But, the Round of Eight cutoff race at Martinsville and the Championship race at Phoenix may usher in a return.
Some drivers, like Christopher Bell, think that the tire at Phoenix may be a bad call for the championship race, as the option tire could have a major influence on who wins the race and championship.
While NASCAR is no stranger to dramatization, this would be a dramatic shift in some teams’ playoff plans. For now, it looks like NASCAR will not throw an option tire into the playoff mix—that is, of course, for now.
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Chris Gabehart has responded to Joe Gibbs Racing’s lawsuit, strongly denying the allegations and calling the claims “false,” “frivolous,” and “retaliatory” in a public statement released this Friday.
After the lawsuit became public, on Thursday, Gabehart spoke out for the first time, stating that he did not share any confidential JGR information with Spire Motorsports or any third parties and that he intends to prove that in court. He also said a third-party forensic review of his personal devices found no evidence supporting the accusations, adding that JGR declined an offer to examine Spire’s systems before filing suit.
“Yesterday afternoon, Joe Gibbs Racing filed a lawsuit claiming — falsely — that I shared JGR confidential information with Spire Motorsports and/or other unnamed third parties… I feel compelled to speak out today and forcefully and emphatically deny these frivolous and retaliatory claims.”
Gabehart said he will address the matter further in a formal legal response in the coming days.
You can learn more about the lawsuit, why it started and all the context surrounding it in the article linked below
Weather could play a major role in the NASCAR weekend at EchoPark Speedway, with current forecasts calling for a 40% chance of rain Saturday afternoon and increasing to 55% in the evening. While conditions are expected to improve, contingency plans are already in place in case races cannot be completed as scheduled
NASCAR has not announced any official schedule changes yet, as decisions will be based on how conditions develop in real time. With rain chances increasing through Saturday afternoon and evening, teams are preparing for multiple outcomes, and Sunday is expected to serve as the primary backup window if events can’t be completed as planned.
Conditions are constantly being monitored, but fans should be prepared for possible schedule adjustments throughout the weekend. We’ll keep you updated throughout the race weekend here on The Daily Downforce
Just when things finally seemed to calm down in the NASCAR garage, a bombshell dropped. Joe Gibbs Racing is officially suing former competition director Chris Gabehart, and the allegations are serious. Power struggles, confidential data, secret photos, and a potential move to Spire Motorsports.
From competition department tension to an $8 million damages figure, this lawsuit could have major implications beyond just one team. Gabehart helped elevate Denny Hamlin back into championship form and played a key role in JGR’s recent success, which makes this split even more shocking. This preview only scratches the surface. The full breakdown dives into the timeline, the alleged evidence, and what this could mean for the Cup Series balance of power moving forward. Watch the full video to learn much more
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