NASCAR to Test Option Tire at Phoenix in 2025
NASCAR announced that Goodyear’s “Option” tire will return in 2025, debuting at Phoenix Raceway. This marks a meaningful test for the tire, which could lead to a major change in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship race if it performs well.
The Option tire, frist introduced at North Wilkesboro last season, is softer than conventional tires, offering increased grip and promoting passing. However, it wears out faster.
Last season, the tire made a reappearance at the Martinsville Championship Four cutoff race, used on the right side with an even softer left-side tire. Thes soft tires were the only ones used in the race and proved successful.
For its 2025 debut at Phoenix, NASCAR will utilize the same six primary tire sets and two sets of Option tires strategy as seen in its first points race implementation at Richmond last fall. This format allows teams versatility while introducing the dynamic performance element offered by the Option tire.
NASCAR is bringing back the “option” tire for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. This type of tire, which debuted at the North Wilkesboro All-Star Race in May 2023, is designed to increase strategy and passing opportunities on short tracks.
Why the Return of the Option Tire?
The option tire is considered a solution to the Next Gen car’s performance struggles on shorter tracks. Softer than the standard “primary” tire, the option tire wears faster, creating more strategic pit stop decisions and potentially leading to more exciting on-track battles.
While the initial debut at north Wilkesboro didn’t generate much excitement, a partial introduction of the option tire at Richmond Raceway proved more successful. Fans and drivers attributed the difference to Richmond’s older racing surface compared to the recently repaved North Wilkesboro track.
Debate Over Using Option Tires at Phoenix
The success at Richmond sparked discussion about using the option tires at Phoenix Raceway, which hosts the championship race. Some drivers expressed concerns that combining option and primary tires at Phoenix would be too chaotic and detract from the meaning of the championship race.
Impact on the Championship Race
since moving the championship race to Phoenix in 2020 and implementing the Next Gen car, fans have voiced dissatisfaction with the on-track product.
While NASCAR opted against using the option tire for the 2024 championship race, a plan is in place for its partial introduction at Phoenix in March 2025. NASCAR and tire manufacturer Goodyear hope this change will deliver the action-packed racing fans desire.
NASCAR to Test Option Tire for Spring Phoenix Race
NASCAR will experiment with an option tire for the upcoming spring race at Phoenix Raceway, potentially paving the way for a strategic shakeup at the season-ending Championship Race.
drivers will be allotted two sets of the softer compound tire during the spring event. Should the tire prove successful in Phoenix, NASCAR intends to make it the primary tire for the 2025 Championship Race, eliminating the use of two different compounds for that crucial event.
This move could substantially impact race strategies and the Championship outcome. Pit stops and stage racing decisions could become paramount, with teams aiming to maximize the performance window of the softer tire. Drivers adept at managing tire wear could gain a crucial advantage, potentially influencing the battle for the championship.
The option tire test at Phoenix Raceway on march 9th will be a closely watched development for NASCAR fans and teams alike.
How could the introduction of the Option tire impact the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship race?
NASCAR to Test Option Tire at Phoenix in 2025
NASCAR announced that Goodyear’s “Option” tire will return in 2025, debuting at Phoenix Raceway. This marks a meaningful test for the tire, which could lead to a major change in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series championship race if it performs well.
The Option tire, frist introduced at north Wilkesboro last season, is softer than conventional tires, offering increased grip and promoting passing. However, it wears out faster.
Last season, the tire made a reappearance at the Martinsville Championship Four cutoff race, used on the right side with an even softer left-side tire. Thes soft tires were the only ones used in the race and proved successful.
For its 2025 debut at Phoenix, NASCAR will utilize the same six primary tire sets and two sets of Option tires strategy as seen in its first points race implementation at Richmond last fall. This format allows teams versatility while introducing the dynamic performance element offered by the Option tire.
NASCAR is bringing back the “option” tire for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. this type of tire, which debuted at the North Wilkesboro All-Star Race in May 2023, is designed to increase strategy and passing opportunities on short tracks.
Why the Return of the Option Tire?
The option tire is considered a solution to the Next Gen car’s performance struggles on shorter tracks. Softer than the standard “primary” tire, the option tire wears faster, creating more strategic pit stop decisions and potentially leading to more exciting on-track battles.
While the initial debut at north Wilkesboro didn’t generate much excitement, a partial introduction of the option tire at Richmond Raceway proved more successful. Fans and drivers attributed the difference to Richmond’s older racing surface compared to the recently repaved North Wilkesboro track.
Debate Over Using Option Tires at Phoenix
The success at Richmond sparked discussion about using the option tires at Phoenix Raceway, which hosts the championship race. Some drivers expressed concerns that combining option and primary tires at phoenix would be too chaotic and detract from the meaning of the championship race.
Impact on the Championship race
as moving the championship race to Phoenix in 2020 and implementing the Next Gen car, fans have voiced dissatisfaction with the on-track product.
While NASCAR opted against using the option tire for the 2024 championship race, a plan is in place for its partial introduction at Phoenix in March 2025. NASCAR and tire manufacturer Goodyear hope this change will deliver the action-packed racing fans desire.
NASCAR to Test Option Tire for Spring Phoenix Race
NASCAR will experiment with an option tire for the upcoming spring race at Phoenix Raceway, potentially paving the way for a strategic shakeup at the season-ending Championship Race.
drivers will be allotted two sets of the softer compound tire during the spring event.Shoudl the tire prove successful in Phoenix, NASCAR intends to make it the primary tire for the 2025 Championship Race, eliminating the use of two different compounds for that crucial event.
This move could substantially impact race strategies and the Championship outcome. Pit stops and stage racing decisions could become paramount, with teams aiming to maximize the performance window of the softer tire. Drivers adept at managing tire wear could gain a crucial advantage, potentially influencing the battle for the championship.
The option tire test at Phoenix Raceway on march 9th will be a closely watched development for NASCAR fans and teams alike.
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NASCAR Option tire FAQ
**Q: what is NASCAR’s “Option” tire?**
A: It’s a softer tire compound designed for short tracks, offering increased grip for passing but wearing out faster than standard tires.
**Q: Why is NASCAR testing the Option tire at Phoenix?**
A: To see if it can improve the on-track product at the championship race, which fans have found lacking as moving to Phoenix in 2020.
**Q: could we see the Option tire used in the 2025 Championship race?**
A: Yes, if the spring test at Phoenix is successful, NASCAR plans to use the Option tire as the primary tire for the championship race.
**Q: How will the Option tire change race strategy?**
A: It will make pit stops and tire management even more critical. Drivers who can maximize the Option tire’s performance window will have a meaningful advantage.
**Q: What track surface is ideal for the Option tire?**
A: Older, more abrasive surfaces like Richmond seem to work better with the Option tire than newly repaved tracks like North wilkesboro.
**Ready to witness the potential future of NASCAR racing? Mark your calendars for the spring Phoenix race and see how the Option tire shakes things up!**
