Something unexpected is happening before the Food City 500. Goodyear made a big change after tire problems showed up again. Drivers now get 11 tire sets, but one of them is already used. The change follows past trouble during this same race. With practice laps showing fast tire wear, teams had to adjust their cars overnight. Denny Hamlin, Alex Bowman, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. are all set for Sunday, but how long will their tires last on race day?
Key Highlights
- Goodyear has issued an extra set of tires, totaling 11 sets, due to concerns about excessive tire wear at Bristol.
- The decision to allocate additional tires underscores Goodyear’s commitment to safety and performance in response to last year’s tire wear issues.
- Tires began cording after 40 laps during practice, prompting teams to adjust strategies and setups overnight.
- Goodyear anticipated similar tire performance to last year’s spring race, but unexpected durability issues arose.
- Weather conditions, with temperatures peaking at 59 degrees, may complicate tire performance on race day.
Tire Wear Concerns and Goodyear’s Response
Concerns over excessive tire wear have prompted Goodyear to take precautionary measures ahead of the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
In response to an increasing fear among NASCAR Cup Series teams, Goodyear has decided to allocate an extra set of tires for the event. Teams will now have access to 11 sets of tires for the 500-lap race. This includes 10 sets of new, or “sticker,” tires and one set of previously used, or “scuffed,” tires from Saturday’s qualifying session.
This adjustment mirrors the tire allotment from last year’s race, which was notorious for its rampant tire wear. By matching the tire provisions from the previous year, Goodyear aims to mitigate potential issues that could arise during the high-stakes race.
This decision highlights the tire manufacturer’s commitment to safety and performance as they address the ongoing concerns of unpredictable tire degradation.
Previous Tire History and Current Practice Results
Despite initial confidence based on previous results, tire performance during practice sessions at Bristol Motor Speedway has reignited concerns among teams.
Goodyear had brought the same tires used in last Spring’s Food City 500, expecting similar outcomes. However, during last Fall’s Night Race, these tires did not exhibit the anticipated wear, leading to initial confidence for this weekend’s event.
In Saturday’s practice session, contrary to expectations, tires began to cord after approximately 40 laps. This unexpected wear has prompted teams to reconsider their strategies and make overnight adjustments to their car setups to mitigate potential tire issues.
NASCAR has added a set of tires for today’s Cup race at @ItsBristolBaby. That brings teams up to 11 sets for the race (10 race sets plus their qualifying set), which is the same number of sets they ended the spring ‘24 Bristol race with.
— Goodyear Racing (@GoodyearRacing) April 13, 2025
Although such modifications are anticipated to extend tire life, the concern persists as the weather conditions remain consistent, with temperatures predicted to peak at 59 degrees on race day.
Teams now face the challenge of adapting to these tire dynamics, with tire wear expected to influence the outcome of the Food City 500.
Denny Hamlin’s Performance and Outlook
Denny Hamlin enters the Food City 500 with a substantial edge, having secured back-to-back wins in previous races. His recent victories emphasize his skill and consistency, particularly at challenging tracks.
Significantly, Hamlin won the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway last season in a race marked by intense tire wear, demonstrating his adeptness at tire conservation. Starting fourth on Sunday, he remains a strong contender, given his historical performance and tactical skill on high-tire-wear circuits.
Hamlin’s approach to races at Bristol, a track notorious for demanding tire management, highlights his capacity to balance aggression with sustainability. His ability to optimize tire usage without compromising speed sets him apart from many competitors.
This skill is particularly vital as concerns about tire performance continue to loom over the event. Given these factors, Hamlin should be considered a favorite for another impressive performance in the upcoming race.
Alex Bowman, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and the Front Row
Alex Bowman and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. are set to lead the pack at the Food City 500, taking their positions on the front row.
Bowman, representing Hendrick Motorsports, captured the pole position, marking his second pole-winning performance of the year. Despite a strong start to the 2025 season with five top-10 finishes in the initial six races, Bowman has struggled recently, finishing 27th at Martinsville and 35th at Darlington. He aims to regain momentum and secure his primary win of the season at Bristol Motor Speedway.
On the other hand, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. from HYAK Motorsports, a consistent contender at Bristol, will join Bowman on the front row. Known for his skill on short tracks, Stenhouse has yet to win at Bristol but has achieved two runner-up finishes, particularly in 2014 and 2016.
News in Brief: Tire Strategy at Food City 500
Goodyear is facing scrutiny to address tire wear issues at the Food City 500 in Bristol, as past problems resurface. The company is revisiting previous tire data and recent practice results to guarantee safety and performance. Denny Hamlin remains optimistic about his prospects, while Alex Bowman and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. prepare for front-row challenges. The situation highlights the importance of tire reliability in NASCAR, pushing Goodyear to find a swift resolution before the race.
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