Tire put on has at all times performed a job in NASCAR racing, however it may tackle extra significance in Sunday evening’s 400-mile occasion.
Groups will likely be confronted with some doubtlessly difficult tire technique choices. NASCAR and Goodyear have made two totally different tires out there for the occasion – a “prime tire” (the baseline tire, more durable and longer viability) and an “choice tire” (a softer tire than wears extra shortly however gives extra grip).
Within the All-Star Race, the usage of the choice tire didn’t present a noticeable distinction in put on and produced few various tire methods by groups.
Nevertheless, not like the lately repaved North Wilkesboro, Richmond has an older and way more abrasive floor, and it’s hoped the advantage of the choice tire will likely be way more pronounced.
In Saturday’s prolonged observe, groups typically noticed rapid advantages on the choice tire, however they started to dissipate after about 35 to 40 laps. Nevertheless, the observe was held within the warmth of the day whereas the race will happen principally beneath the lights, which can alter how circumstances play out.
The selection on the timing of the choice tires’ use may very well be a dangerous one.
Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing, FedEx Rewards Toyota Camry
Photograph by: Danny Hansen / NKP / Motorsport Photographs
“Actually, I feel you’re going to go away them laying for the top of the race for essentially the most half – now I received’t say – there could also be some automobiles that want some factors that may attempt to put a set on to steal a stage win or one thing like that, a few of these minimize off automobiles doubtlessly,” mentioned Chris Gabehart, crew chief for pole-winner Denny Hamlin.
“However I feel to win the race, you’ll have to go away them for the top of the race.”
Gabehart mentioned he has a “tough recreation plan” for the tires’ use however is aware of improvisation will undoubtably come into play.
“I feel the cooler climate performed an element at North Wilkesboro. At observe we noticed one factor and positively had a sense going into the race that in these circumstances we would see this after which we lived the race the place it was an evening race and cooled off and positively felt in another way about it afterwards.,” he mentioned.
“I don’t assume this monitor is able to that stage of transformation from one situation to the following, however I do assume till the lights activate right here at Richmond you received’t know what you’ve gotten.”
A option to transfer the needle
Josh Berry, who’s preventing to win his approach into the 16-driver playoff discipline, known as the introduction of the choice tire a “nice transfer” by NASCAR.
Berry received off to begin on Saturday, advancing to the ultimate spherical of qualifying and can line up fifth within the race.
“They’ve received to maneuver the needle, and I feel it’s a hit,” Berry mentioned of NASCAR’s determination. “The tire put on we had at the moment, it’ll solely be higher (Sunday) with little cooler temperatures and extra rubber on the monitor.
“I feel we may have a fleet utterly of these tires and there wouldn’t be any points.”
With 4 races remaining earlier than the playoff discipline is about, desperation can be prone to play a job in when the tires are utilized – however would probably have an effect on technique choices typically regardless.
For a number of drivers, a win is the one approach they may now advance to the playoffs.
Erik Jones, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, Household Greenback Toyota Camry
Photograph by: Danny Hansen / NKP / Motorsport Photographs
Hamlin, who received the spring race at Richmond in a dramatic duel with Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Martin Truex Jr. within the spring, mentioned he applauds NASCAR’s determination to check the waters with the tire selections but additionally conscious of the potential downfalls.
“With something like that one thing weird can occur and you would lose on it’s a chance, however it’s the similar for everybody,” Hamlin mentioned.
“Everybody has the identical guidelines with the tire allotment, so it’s simply do you get unfortunate with cautions or not – that’s the solely factor that may actually throw a wrench in the place we’d be.”
