NASCAR to Utilize Option Tire at Phoenix Raceway in March
NASCAR Cup teams will have a strategic decision to make when they race at Phoenix Raceway in March, as the racing institution announced the use of an primary and option tire combination for the event.This move is part of NASCAR’s ongoing strategy to enhance racing at short tracks by introducing variation in tire performance.
the option tire, designated with red lettering on the sidewall, is designed to provide faster speeds but wears out quicker then the primary tire. This change was successfully introduced at the All-Star Race in May 2024 at north Wilkesboro Speedway and later implemented for a points race in August 2024 at Richmond raceway.
If the option tire performs well in the March 9 Cup race, NASCAR plans to make it the primary tire for the championship race at Phoenix on November 2, which will be broadcast on NBC. In that scenario, there would be no separate option tire available for the championship event.
Tire Allocation for the March Race
To ensure fair competition, NASCAR has outlined specific tire allotments for the March Phoenix weekend:
- Practice: Teams will receive one set of primary tires and one set of option tires.
- Qualifying: Teams will use one set of primary tires.
- Race: Teams will be allocated six sets of primary tires, two sets of option tires, and the qualifying set of tires remains on the car.
Teams will have the strategic freedom to determine how and when to utilize the different tire types during the race.
How will the introduction of the option tire impact strategy during the March 9 race at Phoenix Raceway?
NASCAR to Utilize Option Tire at Phoenix Raceway in March
NASCAR Cup teams will have a strategic decision to make when they race at Phoenix Raceway in March, as the racing institution announced the use of an primary and option tire combination for the event.This move is part of NASCAR’s ongoing strategy to enhance racing at short tracks by introducing variation in tire performance.
the option tire, designated with red lettering on the sidewall, is designed to provide faster speeds but wears out quicker then the primary tire. This change was successfully introduced at the All-Star Race in May 2024 at north Wilkesboro Speedway and later implemented for a points race in August 2024 at Richmond raceway.
If the option tire performs well in the March 9 Cup race, NASCAR plans to make it the primary tire for the championship race at Phoenix on November 2, which will be broadcast on NBC. In that scenario, ther would be no separate option tire available for the championship event.
Tire Allocation for the March Race
To ensure fair competition, NASCAR has outlined specific tire allotments for the March Phoenix weekend:
- Practice: Teams will receive one set of primary tires and one set of option tires.
- Qualifying: Teams will use one set of primary tires.
- Race: Teams will be allocated six sets of primary tires, two sets of option tires, and the qualifying set of tires remains on the car.
Teams will have the strategic freedom to determine how and when to utilize the different tire types during the race.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is an option tire?
A: an option tire is a tire designed for faster speeds, but it wears down quicker than the primary tire. Think of it like the “soft” tire compound ofen seen in Formula 1 racing.
Q: Why is NASCAR using option tires?
A: NASCAR wants to spice up racing at short tracks by introducing strategic tire choices. The option tire adds an element of risk and reward for teams.
Q: When will the option tire be used at Phoenix?
A: the option tire will be used at Phoenix Raceway during the NASCAR Cup Series race on March 9, 2025.
Q: Will the option tire also be used for the championship race at Phoenix?
A: That depends on how the option tire performs in the March race. If it’s successful, NASCAR may make it the primary tire for the championship race in November.
Q: How many sets of tires will teams get for the race?
A: Teams will receive six sets of primary tires and two sets of option tires for the March race, plus the set they use for qualifying.
Ready to see how this strategic tire twist will shake up the action at Phoenix? Mark your calendars for the March 9 race!
