Dale Earnhardt Jr. analysis of NASCAR fuel strategy changes is shedding new light on the wave of fuel crises troubling the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series. According to Earnhardt Jr., these fuel problems stem from more than just strategic errors—they are a direct result of how the sport is evolving, particularly with the introduction of Goodyear’s single lug wheels.
The current season has been marked by dramatic fuel gambles, with many drivers experiencing problems like late-race stalls and unexpectedly running low before the checkered flag. Teams and fans alike are searching for explanations as these incidents pile up, making fuel talk a central theme in the paddock. While many point to tactical misjudgments, Earnhardt Jr. proposes a different root cause driving these repeated mishaps.
Single Lug Wheels Are Changing Race Calculations
During a recent episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, the NASCAR Hall of Famer offered his analysis of the issue, declaring:
“The reason why every race is a fuel mileage race is because of the single lug wheel,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
He explained that with the adoption of Goodyear’s single lug wheels, pit stops have become significantly faster for tire changes than for refueling. This discrepancy forces teams to adjust their approach during each stop:
“It’s quicker by far to put four tires on the car than it is to fill it full of fuel. So, if it takes long to fill the car up full of fuel, you’re going to try to do that as least as possible or spread that out over the many stops you’re going to make during the day.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
These faster tire changes mean cars spend minimal time in the pit, making it less efficient to fully refuel in one go. Teams now opt for partial refuels multiple times through the race, planning strategies based on needing less gas at each return to pit road. In this new era, getting back on track quickly has become more valuable than simply playing it safe with a full gas tank, tightening margins and putting more pressure on calculations.
Why Partial Refueling Is Now Common
Earnhardt Jr. pointed out that because the tire change is much faster, teams are “taking the bare minimum” at pit stops:
“So you don’t need to take the entire full tank on several stops,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
“You can come down pit road and just get what you need and leave. And at the end of the race, you know you finish the race really on very little, if any gas at all.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
This method sees cars finishing runs with almost empty tanks, and drivers frequently worry about running out of fuel in the race’s final moments. The resultant tension has made for high stakes and last-minute drama as teams gamble on stretching their fuel further than ever.
Tire Durability Adds Another Layer to the Crisis
With Goodyear’s new tires lasting longer and degrading less, pit stops for tire changes have dropped, again minimizing the opportunities for full refueling. Earnhardt Jr. discussed how the durability of current tires means teams need to stop less often, deepening the fuel challenge:
“I think that’s the world we are in now because of the single lug wheel and also the fact that the tires in a lot of places don’t necessarily need to be changed,”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
“The tires last too long. Tires are too good.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR Hall of Famer
The situation has resulted in drivers inching to the finish line nearly on empty, with the threat of stalling becoming a persistent storyline. This combination of new pit technology and vastly improved tires has upended traditional fuel strategy, pushing teams into ever riskier territory as they chase efficiency.
Looking ahead, Earnhardt Jr.’s analysis suggests that unless NASCAR or teams find a way to adapt to these technical advancements, the fuel drama that has defined this season is likely to continue. Not only do these changes challenge existing strategies, but they also introduce new uncertainties that could influence both team tactics and driver outcomes throughout the year.
