Honoring NASCAR Tire Specialists: Dave “Mule” Nichols, a pivotal figure in Penske Racing’s #12 Ford Mustang driven by Ryan Blaney, has been honored with the prestigious “Consistently Smooth” award for the NASCAR Cup Series. This accolade, presented by Champion Tire & Wheel, commends Nichols for his exceptional skill and dedication as the team’s tire specialist.
Nichols’ pivotal role in overseeing the tire and wheel program is a cornerstone of the team’s success. Managing a substantial program comprising over 2,500 tires and wheels throughout an entire racing season is no small feat. His meticulous attention to detail when it comes to tire selection, wheel coordination, and air pressure adjustments during pit stops significantly contributes to the race car’s overall performance.
The distinguished lead crystal trophy will be formally presented to Nichols at Penske Racing’s shop in Mooresville, NC. Joining in the celebration will be Ryan Blaney, Crew Chief Jonathan Hassler, and team manager Mike Nelson, highlighting the collective effort behind this achievement.
Moreover, Champion Tire & Wheel will recognize outstanding achievements in other series as well. Daine Anderson, the tire specialist for the #00 Stewart Haas entry driven by Cole Custer, will receive the Championship Tire Specialists award for the Xfinity Series. In the Craftsman Truck Series, Justin Wicher, the tire specialist for the #99 Thorsport Racing entry driven by Ben Rhodes, will also be honored for his exceptional contributions.
These acknowledgments underscore the integral role of tire specialists in enhancing race car performance across multiple NASCAR series, emphasizing their indispensable contribution to the sport’s success.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Who is the sponsor of NASCAR tires?
For over six decades, NASCAR has relied on Goodyear as their trusted tire supplier. Since 1954, Goodyear has been the official tire supplier for NASCAR, providing top-quality tires that have helped drivers achieve their best performances on the track. With a long-standing partnership, Goodyear has proven time and time again that they are the go-to choice for NASCAR when it comes to tires.
What kind of tires do they use in NASCAR?
For over two decades, Goodyear has been the exclusive tire supplier for all NASCAR race series. The Goodyear Race Eagle is the tire of choice, recognized by fans for its bold yellow lettering.
Does NASCAR use different tires on a dirt track?
For NASCAR national series racing, Goodyear produces three distinct types of tires that cater to different race tracks and weather conditions. These include tires for asphalt/concrete, rain, and dirt. Each type of tire is designed to perform optimally under specific circumstances. To ensure the best possible performance, it is crucial to choose the right type of tire for the given race track and weather conditions.
What size tire do NASCAR trucks use?
Goodyear’s 18in units, much like the 15in rubber used in NASCAR’s Xfinity and Truck Series, are produced in Akron, Ohio. The company invested heavily in the area to handle the increased volume, upgrading building machines to accommodate the larger size. According to Greg Stucker, director of race tire sales, the expansion was necessary to meet demand.
