Ricky Stenhouse Jr. tire strategy became a focal point following the recent NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway, where he discussed the significant impact of tire management on both his own race and the broader event. In a recent online video shared by Garage Guy Chase, Stenhouse Jr. detailed the complex decisions and tire-related setbacks he endured throughout the race.
The video originated from a longer motorsports-focused interview, aired on the Motorsport Report, where Stenhouse Jr. outlined his approach to tire usage and how circumstances on the track complicated his planned strategy. The intense pace at Bristol and the importance of preserving tire life meant that every choice and incident had consequences for the outcome.
“I think we qualified well, stayed up in the front, on that green flag run to start the race made it 60 laps on our tires, and not many people did, so we were only gonna pit once in that first stage, in that car, and then Austin came out, it was really just a bad timed caution for us.”
— Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Driver
Stenhouse Jr. highlighted how his initial efforts put him in a strong position and how a well-executed stint on a single set of tires seemed to pay dividends until an untimely caution changed everything. The misfortune of poorly timed interruptions forced the team to adjust on the fly, limiting their options as the laps ticked away and the tire sets dwindled.
“When all was said and done, we finished that 1st stage in 9, kind of on par and where we needed to be, and then all of a sudden, we get spun and then we were down a set of tires, and then we had to stay out one time, and then we got spun again, anytime you spin and you’re trying to keep it off the wall, you’re killing your tires, and so we just ran out of tires; we were just one short from everybody else.”
— Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Driver
The sequence of spins and evasive driving depleted Stenhouse Jr.’s tire reserves more quickly than planned, leaving him at a disadvantage compared to other drivers as the race progressed. Although he managed to secure a top-ten finish in Stage 1, the setbacks meant he lacked the necessary performance in the closing stages.
Setbacks Lead to a Challenging Finish in the Bass Pro Shops Night Race
The Bass Pro Shops Night Race, held on September 13, 2025, saw Stenhouse Jr. finish 22nd after being spun by Bubba Wallace on Lap 354. While he briefly led five laps during the night, the earlier tire damage and the late incident made it impossible to regain lost ground. Bristol Motor Speedway’s demanding surface and frequent cautions once again demonstrated how tire strategy and avoiding incidents are key to competitive results in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Such events underscore the razor-thin margin between advantage and misfortune, with even one poorly timed caution or spin potentially undoing a well-executed plan. Stenhouse Jr.’s experience serves as yet another example of the unpredictable challenges faced by drivers and their teams.
Stenhouse Jr. Dismisses Speculation About Team Change Amid Difficult Season
As the NASCAR playoffs approached, speculation mounted about Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s potential move to Spire Motorsports for 2026, following questions about his future with HYAK Motorsports and underperformance during the 2025 season. Reports of a possible switch became widespread as his playoff hopes faded.
Stenhouse Jr. directly addressed the rumors on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, emphasizing his loyalty to HYAK Motorsports and referencing his recent contract extension as evidence of his commitment for the foreseeable future.
“We redid my contract last year with HYAK motor sports, and you know, so I’m here through 26, and unless they tell me otherwise or unless we redo another one and stay there for longer. I got a great group of guys who work hard, and we all want the same thing. So I’ll be at the 47, you know, the rest of this year and the off-season and going into 26,” Stenhouse Jr. explained.
— Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Driver
Despite these assurances, the 2025 season has presented persistent challenges. Stenhouse Jr. was unable to qualify for the Cup Series playoffs, with a 30th place finish at Darlington sealing his fate before the cutoff. His hopes for championship contention ended there, adding another layer of frustration to an already difficult campaign.
Implications of Tire Management and a Difficult Season for Stenhouse Jr.
The Bristol race and the subsequent fallout from Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s tire strategy highlight how strategy, luck, and incident avoidance are crucial in the NASCAR Cup Series. His challenges at Bristol Motor Speedway offer insight into the fine line between success and setback on race day. Stenhouse Jr.’s resolve to stay focused with HYAK, despite rumors and setbacks, suggests that tire management lessons and determination may shape his approach for the rest of 2025 and heading into the 2026 season.
With prominent drivers like Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Bubba Wallace, and Justin Haley continuing to feature in race headlines, each event remains unpredictable, reinforcing the high stakes and intensity of NASCAR competition for both drivers and fans alike.
