Denny Hamlin praises Goodyear tire improvements after the recent NASCAR race at Richmond, where the sport witnessed a return to exciting short-track competition. The event stood out for its dramatic tire wear, forcing drivers to depend on both skill and strategy, in sharp contrast to the less engaging races of the current season.
Revitalized Racing at Richmond with Innovative Tires
Unlike prior short-track events, Saturday’s 400-lap contest was energized by a new Goodyear tire that wore down at a rapid rate, generating nearly 83% tire fallout. This shift transformed the dynamic of the race, compelling drivers to manage their pace and tactics more carefully, and leading to non-stop overtaking and fierce duels among the pack.
While the Gen 7/Next Gen car has been associated with more restrained action in recent seasons, the tire partner’s effort at Richmond appeared to reset expectations. Historically, short tracks, apart from the popular superspeedways, have defined the core of NASCAR’s competitive spirit. However, the arrival of the next generation of cars reduced the art of on-track passing, drawing criticism from racing aficionados and drivers, including Hamlin.
Denny Hamlin’s Praise for Goodyear’s Approach
Hamlin, representing Joe Gibbs Racing and long considered an ace on short tracks, openly commended Goodyear’s recent commitment. He expressed gratitude for the tire that introduced substantial degradation and returned control of the race to the drivers themselves.
“Thank you, Goodyear, for bringing a tire that had over 2 to 2 1/2 seconds of fall-off. That’s great,”
—Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Driver
Reflecting on how routine and predictable some tracks had become, Hamlin highlighted Richmond as a turning point. He noted the course had developed a reputation for monotonous racing, making the enhanced excitement a welcome change.
“Deserving, very, very deserving in that… Richmond was kind of one of the very first short tracks that was getting the oh man, this is kind of boring”
—Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Driver
Hamlin further explained the importance of tire grip in shaping the on-track action, suggesting that the recent changes have made passing more common again and allowed driver skill to play a more decisive role.
“Everyone’s got a lot of grip because the tires got a lot of grip, and then all of a sudden people start passing. It’s like that’s what we wanted to see. And so that puts it back into the driver’s hands. And hopefully, this is something that will be our loud and tire as well.”
—Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Driver
He also speculated that Goodyear’s developments might set a new standard for short-track tires across the NASCAR calendar, noting similarities between the tires used at Richmond and Martinsville.
“So something to look forward to there. It looks, it seems like they’re trying to make this our standard short track tire because I believe it is the same as Martinsville now Richmond, I’m sure there’s another in there, but. We’ve softened up the tires. It’s a really good thing,”
—Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Driver
The Road Ahead for NASCAR Short Tracks
For drivers and fans alike, the impact of these tire changes at Richmond marks a crucial development. The focus keyword, Denny Hamlin praises Goodyear tire improvements, reflects a broader optimism among those hoping to see a return to the thrilling, close-quarters battles that once characterized NASCAR’s short-track races. As Goodyear continues to refine its products, further events may showcase similar levels of excitement and unpredictability, potentially changing the landscape for contenders like Hamlin and revitalizing races at historic venues across the schedule.
Although Hamlin left Richmond without a victory, his renewed enthusiasm signals hope for a more competitive and engaging season, hinting that tire technology could once again hold the key to NASCAR’s most celebrated racing.
