NASCAR legend Dale Inman did not hold back when reflecting on recent Cup Series races at Bristol Motor Speedway and Richmond Raceway. Sharing his thoughts on the Petty Family Racing podcast alongside Richard Petty, the eight-time Cup Series champion crew chief questioned the tire strategy and expressed sharp criticism of Goodyear’s softer tire compounds that defined both events.
Key Highlights
- Dale Inman criticized Goodyear’s tire wear after Bristol and Richmond Cup races.
- Austin Dillon captured the Cook Out 400 at Richmond with swift tire management.
- Christopher Bell earned his fourth win of the season at Bristol Motor Speedway.
- Richard Petty praised Inman as NASCAR’s original benchmark crew chief.
- Inman helped Petty to 193 career wins and seven Cup Series championships.
Dale Inman’s Strong Words on Tire Wear
Goodyear brought a softer tire to the 0.533-mile Bristol track, creating heavy wear and forcing drivers to manage their runs carefully. While the strategy produced excitement, Inman was not impressed.
“I didn’t like it at all, Richard. I thought Richard was bad when they wore him out. And no disrespect for the three car for winning the race. No disrespect for the 20-car for winning. But when the tires were out like that, it’s ridiculous. And I thought one time I seen you mountain tires for good.” – Dale Inman
He emphasized how quickly the wear took drivers by surprise.
“You know I don’t know when the first car come in with the tires wore out but it was somewhere around 30 laps, right? And I don’t think I think it caught everybody off guard that there’s wear it.” – Dale Inman
Austin Dillon and Christopher Bell Adapt to Challenges
Despite the tire issues, Austin Dillon and Christopher Bell showcased their skill in adjusting to changing conditions. Dillon’s No. 3 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team dominated the 400-lap Cook Out 400 at Richmond on August 16, 2025, after adapting to rapid tire wear.
At Bristol, Bell held off Brad Keselowski in the closing laps to secure his fourth win of the season. Both races highlighted how preparation and quick thinking can transform a challenge into victory, even when equipment becomes unpredictable.
Legacy of a Racing Pioneer
Dale Inman’s criticism carries weight because of his storied career. As Richard Petty’s crew chief, Inman was instrumental in seven Cup Series championships and 193 career wins, achievements unmatched in NASCAR history. Their partnership defined an era, with a remarkable 1967 season that included 27 wins and a 10-race streak in the Plymouth Belvedere. Petty offered his own reflection on Inman’s importance.
“Dale was a racing benchmark. He was the sport’s first official crew chief, and people modeled themselves after him. He knew what, when, and where, and when he made a mistake, he wasn’t afraid to admit it. Everyone respected him for that. Nobody even comes close to the number of wins that Dale has recorded.” – Richard Petty
From Pit Crew to Benchmark
Inman’s journey began in the late 1950s as a pit crew member for the Petty family. By 1960, after Richard Petty’s first career victory, Inman transitioned to crew chief, guiding Petty through decades of dominance. His approach to teamwork and race-day decisions set the standard for modern crew chiefs. Inman’s ability to admit mistakes and learn from them became part of his enduring reputation, influencing generations that followed.
News in Brief: Dale Inman Slams Austin Dillon and Christopher Bell’s Recent Wins
Dale Inman voiced clear frustration over excessive tire wear during the recent Cup Series races at Bristol and Richmond, where Austin Dillon and Christopher Bell claimed victories. Speaking on the Petty Family Racing podcast with Richard Petty, the eight-time champion crew chief criticized Goodyear’s softer compounds for wearing out in just 30 laps. Inman’s comments carry historic weight given his record of 193 wins and seven championships with Petty.
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