NASCAR VP of Competition Elton Sawyer joins us to discuss the "option tires" that will be available to teams during the Cup Series race in March. Those are basically a softer rubber compound that offer more grip and speed but wear out much faster.
For the Spring NASCAR Cup Series race weekend at Phoenix Raceway, in addition to the standard "prime" Goodyear racing tires, race teams will be allotted three sets of "option" tires for use during the weekend—one set for practice, and two for the race. This is for the spring Phoenix Cup race only, not for the NASCAR Cup Series Championship race.
As was in place for last year’s Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway, the prime tire will be denoted by yellow lettering; the option tire by red lettering. The option tire is made from the same compound as the oval wet weather tires.
The allotment numbers are as such:
- Two sets for practice, one prime/one option
- A prime set must be used for qualifying, which will then be transferred to the race allotment
- 8 stickers sets for the race – six prime, two option
For the race, NASCAR will not mandate when teams use their sets. However, all four tires must match at all times.
Some notes about the tires:
- NASCAR and the team at the R&D Center continue to work on items to continue to improve the short track product.
- As we’ve seen at Bristol, Iowa, and Richmond 2 last year, when drivers are forced to manage tire wear, it leads to comers-and-goers, passing and an overall entertaining race.
- Working with our great partners at Goodyear, NASCAR implemented the learnings from North Wilkesboro and implemented the option tire in a points race for the first time last year at Richmond Raceway.
- That created a number of comers and goes, and strategic decisions that led to one of the most exciting short track races of the season.
