Denny Hamlin on Bristol tire wear has become a focal point of the upcoming Bass Pro Shops Night Race, as speculation grows about whether ultra-high tire degradation could shake up the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. Hamlin, fresh from a recent win, addressed the uncertain tire conditions and embraced the unpredictable scenario that might impact the final Round of 16 event at Bristol Motor Speedway this Saturday.
Lingering Questions Following the Bristol Tire Wear “Experiment”
The roots of this current tire intrigue stretch back to Spring 2024, when an unintended situation at Bristol Motor Speedway created exceptionally high tire wear. Since then, Goodyear and NASCAR have attempted to recreate the specific tire compound used during that race, hoping to understand the variables that led to such rapid degradation. Despite multiple efforts, the unique circumstances from March have not been replicated, yet persistent rumors now hint that Saturday night’s event may see a resurgence of extreme tire conditions.
Whispers circulating in the NASCAR Cup Series garage suggest that excessive tire wear could arise during the crucial Bass Pro Shops Night Race. The discussion intensified when Denny Hamlin used his platform, the Actions Detrimental Podcast, to discuss the information he’s hearing about Goodyear’s right side tires planned for use at Bristol’s fast, high-banked, concrete half-mile track. According to reports gathered by Hamlin, a recent tire load test resulted in the right side tires failing almost instantly under simulated race loads.
Hamlin Describes Tire Test Concerns and Rumors
While speaking about the uncharted territory regarding tire wear, Hamlin detailed how Goodyear tested the tires slated for the Bristol race—a process that raised eyebrows in the racing community. He attributed his remarks to sources within the industry but made clear that he did not witness the events firsthand.
“They have this machine, apparently, that is like sandpaper. So, they slide this tire — anyway, there’s a tire that goes on this sand belt machine and checks the wear, how is this tire going to wear under certain loads? And apparently, they put on the Bristol right side tire, and it shredded into the machine immediately,”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
“Like, it was so aggressive that it destroyed the machine. Like it just unraveled and got caught in the machine.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
The 44-year-old, who recently captured his 59th career NASCAR Cup Series victory at World Wide Technology Raceway during the Enjoy Illinois 300, was careful to emphasize that these accounts came secondhand and could be exaggerated. Nonetheless, the possibility of rapid tire failures during the Playoff elimination race added a layer of tension for teams and fans alike.
“That’s basically what I’m telling you, so this is not factual whatsoever,”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
“I’m telling you, now it didn’t come from Austin. Give me a break. My sources are far better than his.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Goodyear Responds to Tire Test Anxiety
To address the rumors, Goodyear has advised teams not to overinterpret the alarming results of the tire test. The tested tires, they noted, were taken straight from the assembly line and hadn’t properly cured. Such uncured tires do not represent how those used during the race will perform, since rubber continues to cure and strengthen for some time after production. Hamlin relayed this critical clarification to his podcast audience, advocating for a measured response to the initial panic.
“Now, what Goodyear said to the teams that were like, ‘Whoa, what is that?’ They said, ‘Listen, the thing came right off the line.’ So, tires, rubber takes time to cure.,”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
“So, what happens is once a tire comes off a production line, they usually try to let it sit for a certain amount of time. Because then the rubber will cure. Think of it like super glue. Super glue is liquid, and it will mold all around, but eventually that thing stiffens up over time, right? Same thing with rubber. I’m oversimplifying this quite a bit. And they said when we tested it, the tire came right off the line, and so that’s why it essentially melted in the machine.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Hamlin Welcomes Turbulence as the Playoffs Intensify
The underlying uncertainty heading into this Playoff elimination event at Bristol reflects a pattern seen since the surprising March tire experiment. Hamlin, renowned for skillfully nursing his car through extended runs on worn tires, benefited from these conditions earlier in 2024 and has already locked himself into the Round of 12 thanks to his Gateway triumph.
“But either way, I’m all for team chaos this week. I hope we can’t run 50 laps. I just hope they have enough tires is going to be my thing,”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
With Hamlin and other top drivers debating potential tire unpredictability, the playoff field faces several possible outcomes. If high tire wear characterizes Saturday’s race, some favorites may see their advancement hopes dashed by flat spots, blowouts, or the inability to manage tire degradation over the 500-lap grind. Conversely, drivers outside the current Playoff cutline could seize an opportunity if tire management becomes the deciding factor, potentially vaulting into the next round with the right strategy and setup.
What’s at Stake in the Bass Pro Shops Night Race
The spotlight remains on tire strategies as the Bass Pro Shops Night Race approaches, with Denny Hamlin on Bristol tire wear setting the tone for a race filled with unknowns. Should tire durability again prove crucial, the win-or-bust mentality will intensify for those chasing a spot in the Round of 12. On the other hand, if the compound proves sturdy and tire wear is minimal, the field may struggle to create passing opportunities, making it harder for competitors to alter their Playoff fate.
All eyes will be on Goodyear’s latest compound, NASCAR’s teams, and the strategies adopted to tame Bristol’s challenging surface as the Playoffs continue to deliver unpredictable, emotionally charged moments for drivers and fans alike.
