Phoenix went 'according to plan' with option tire - Goodyear
Today at 08:57 PM
Goodyear was pleased with what it saw from the option tire Sunday afternoon as it was used for the first time at Phoenix Raceway.
"Everything went according to plan at Phoenix, and the option tire worked very well," Goodyear NASCAR project manager Mark Keto said. "It gave teams a chance to vary their strategies as to when to use them and maximize their effectiveness to gain track position over teams that were out on the prime tires. Teams were also able to manage their options once they got track position and make them live longer into a run. Overall, we were very happy with the balance and strategy of the prime/option tire setup and how it added to the racing all day."
The tire, which was designated by red sidewall lettering, was a softer compound from the traditional prime tire. It was the same soft compound that Cup Series teams ran at North Wilkesboro in the All-Star Race last season and the second race at Richmond Raceway.
Goodyear brought the option tire to Phoenix to help with the racing product. The goal was a positive showing so that it would become the primary tire for the November championship race. Goodyear will also be holding a three-car tire test on Monday with Austin Dillon (Chevrolet), Josh Berry (Ford), and Tyler Reddick (Toyota) at Phoenix to continue working through different compounds.
"That red tire was a lot of fun," fifth-place finisher Chris Buescher said.
Zane Smith, who finished ninth, concurred with his Ford teammate. Plus, "it made it probably the most fun Phoenix race I feel like I have been to."
Cup Series teams were given one set of option tires for the 45-minute practice session Saturday. There were two sets available for them during the race.
In the first stage, Ryan Preece was the driver to watch as one of the first to take the option tires. Preece pitted and his RFK Racing team put on a set of option tires under a lap 10 caution. He quickly drove through the field (the race restarted on lap 15) and was inside the top 10 on lap 27. He finished the stage third.
Joey Logano used the option tire to regain lost track position from a yellow line violation. Logano's team used a different pit strategy to put the option tire on during the second stage and drove to the race lead. He ultimately finished the stage in second place.
In the final stage, Austin Cindric, Erik Jones, and Ty Dillon were among those who made significant gains on the option. All three used it to drive inside the top 10.
The race ended with most of the field on their last set of option tires. It seemed to be a key play to save them for as late in the race as possible.
"I wish I would have been on the option tires the whole time and everyone else would have been on the primaries," Justin Haley said. "They just make you feel like superman. I like the tire. I honestly feel like we should go to it everywhere. They make the cars drive a lot better. I don't know if that's what you want, but it will be interesting to see how it plays out.”
