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NASCAR is set to experiment with multiple tire compounds during the 2024 All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway, scheduled on May 19. This tire gamble is aimed toward solving the Next-Gen car's short-track woes.
The Cup Series returns to North Wilkesboro for the annual All-Star race with a new format and interesting changes. Teams will now have the option to choose from three different tire compounds over the weekend - the baseline 'prime' tire, softer 'option' tire, and wet-weather tire.
NBC Sports reporter Dustin Long believes that the decision to experiment with multiple tire compounds in the exhibition race is a step in the right direction. Long claimed that since increasing the horsepower isn't feasible, all the stakeholders implored Goodyear to experiment with the tires.
"It's a step, whether it will or not we'll see, but again you're encouraged by the fact that NASCAR and Goodyear, the drivers, everybody is willing to try something...The drivers are talking about more horsepower - that's not going to happen. So okay what's the next option, it's the tire, what can be done," he said on GoPRN.
Dustin Long hinted that discussions about softening the tire compounds have been ongoing since last year, with NASCAR implementing the softer tires for the upcoming All-Star Race. He added:
"That's what drivers have said, 'Let's just really go after it and see what we get and how that can help moving forward.'"
The introduction of multiple tire compounds aims to introduce a new layer of strategy to the races, creating "comers and goers" throughout the race. The option tire consists of the same rubber compound as the wet-weather tire, providing more grip for the short term but wears out rapidly.
If the experimentation during the All-Star weekend is deemed successful, NASCAR may consider implementing multiple tire compounds at future short-track events.
NASCAR SVP explains how Bristol weekend influenced their tire gamble for the All-Star Race
The recent Cup race at Bristol Motor Speedway delivered classic short-track action as many factors influenced the high tire wear. Teams were caught off-guard as drivers had to manage their tires to complete the race distance.
John Probst, NASCAR's Senior Vice President, highlighted that the Bristol race showcased how high tire wear could create an entertaining racing product. This influenced their decision to experiment with softer tires at a non-points-paying race at North Wilkesboro.
"When we were at Bristol, we certainly saw a very entertaining race there when tire wear became something they had to manage, and so it’s just an opportunity for us to try it. If it does look good, we will certainly consider it," Probst was quoted as saying by NASCAR.com.
At the All-Star weekend, teams will have nine sets of tires for the weekend - five sets of prime and four sets of options. All drivers are required to start the main event on option tires.
