Let’s rewind time before 2019 when NASCAR had the ‘arm’s length’ rule in pit road to decide whether a tire is uncontrolled, and handed out hefty penalties. It was all thanks to several teams and competitors, with Denny Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing bearing the torch to get the rule changed in 2019. However, there is no rule in place for tire-related events on the track. The choice of tire could make or break a race for the teams. But, if you have been living under the rock with the role of tire in winning a race, we have a veteran to display it to you practically!

Just ask Kyle Busch, who lost out on a COTA win due to his tires wearing out in the last stages of the race. NASCAR has been under criticism lately for tire management issues, and drivers like Denny Hamlin have voiced concerns over Goodyear’s decisions. As Hamlin takes up the tire issue again after 2019, now, the debate centers on tire wear and the need for better tire falloff to encourage more strategic racing.

Goodyear’s tire issues spark controversy in NASCAR garage

With the upcoming race at Phoenix, Denny Hamlin is hopeful that the softer option tire will add a new layer of excitement to the competition. “This weekend at Phoenix, we will have that same really, really soft tire,” Hamlin explained. While not as soft as the Martinsville tire, it’s similar to the Richmond option tire, known for its ability to create tire falloff. This falloff could potentially create more “comers and goers,” which is crucial on a track like Phoenix. As we all know, passing can be challenging at the Avondale, Arizona, racetrack.

Denny Hamlin acknowledged the criticism Phoenix is getting as the venue, especially given its flat layout and reliance on aerodynamics. “It’s hard to pass and that race has just gotten so much criticism,” Hamlin said. The issue lies in the aerodynamic limitations, where cars can struggle to break free from each other’s wake. However, with the introduction of a tire that allows for more mechanical grip, Hamlin sees a potential shift. “The wake doesn’t matter as much when you have a tire advantage,” he noted.

The veteran driver is especially enthusiastic about the broader possibilities for the tire strategy beyond just Phoenix. He expressed a desire for Goodyear to bring similar tires to mile-and-a-half tracks, which often suffer from aerodynamic challenges. “Can we start to implement that at some other tracks, some mile-and-a-halfs to help with some of the aerodynamic deficiencies that we have there?” Hamlin asked. This could open up more passing opportunities and create better racing, especially on tracks where aerodynamics have a larger influence. But, how does Hamlin reach out to voice his opinions for all arising new problems through the years?

Turns out, this problem is not even new to him! Hamlin has been consistently vocal about tire falloff in recent years. “When the drivers were begging for ‘please just give us some falloff, that’s how we pass,'” he shared, referencing past frustrations with tire performance. The introduction of softer tires has shifted the dynamic in a positive direction. “Now the setup is a factor, the driver is a factor and how you manage it, it’s just putting on fantastic racing right now,” Hamlin added.

Hamlin is cautiously optimistic about how tire strategy will affect racing at Phoenix. The upcoming race could set the stage for future races on different tracks if Goodyear’s approach proves successful. With tire management becoming more central to the strategy, fans and drivers alike are eager to see how this evolution plays out on the track.

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Denny Hamlin eyes redemption at Phoenix after tough results

Denny Hamlin will be hoping for a solid result at Phoenix Raceway this weekend, especially after some disappointing performances in recent years. In 2024, he finished 11th in both the championship race and the Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix. This is, naturally, a far cry from his usual competitive form. While he’s been a strong contender in the past, his recent outings haven’t lived up to expectations.

The last time Hamlin tasted victory at Phoenix was back in 2019 when he won the Bluegreen Vacations 500, the final race of the Round of 8. It was a crucial win that kept his championship hopes alive. Since then, however, Phoenix has proven to be a tough track for him. There have been no wins and only modest finishes in the subsequent years.

The 2025 season hasn’t been kind to Hamlin either, as he’s struggled to find consistency. His results so far have been lackluster, with a 24th-place finish at Daytona and a 21st at COTA. However, he did manage a solid 6th-place finish at Atlanta, which may give him some much-needed confidence heading into Phoenix. Given the unpredictable nature of the season, this race could be the turning point he’s been hoping for.

With a soft tire option making its debut, Hamlin’s strategy will likely be critical to his performance. Can the tire advantages allow him to turn his luck around? Will this lead to Joe Gibbs Racing driver performing better than he has in recent years at Phoenix? We find out on Sunday.