Goodyear Sends Clear 5-Word Response to NASCAR Community After Ending Tire Debate in Phoenix

Can a single tire change the face of NASCAR? The debate over Goodyear’s option tires has been a hot topic in 2025, with some drivers and fans expressing skepticism about their impact on racing. Despite these doubts, Goodyear has remained committed to its innovative approach. The option tires, which debuted at Richmond and North Wilkesboro last year, were met with mixed reactions ahead of Sunday’s Cup Series race.

“I do think it’s better for the sport,” said Team Penske’s Joey Logano, ahead of the Phoenix race. While Joe Gibbs Racing’s Christopher Bell said, “ I personally am not a fan of the option tire… [it] allows non-competitive cars to otherwise be competitive off of a different strategy.” Logano finished 13th and led 81 laps while Bell led a 105 and won the race! So clearly, despite their differing opinions, they managed to do their best with the tires at hand.

As NASCAR continues to experiment with these tires, the recent race at Phoenix has provided a crucial test case. Now, Goodyear is weighing in on the outcome, offering a clear message to the NASCAR community.

Goodyear sees Phoenix as a win for the option tire

Drivers were initially hesitant to use the option tires, but Phoenix showed their potential. Mark Keto, NASCAR Goodyear Project Manager, noted that the option tires provided more grip but wore faster, making strategy crucial. Teams managed them well, extending their life and gaining track position. This strategic element added depth to the race, as drivers like Ryan Preece and Joey Logano, who stretched his option tires to 59 laps, capitalized on the opportunity to navigate through slower traffic effectively.

“Everything went according to plan at Phoenix, and the Option tire worked very well,” Keto explained. This success was evident as teams effectively managed the option tires to gain track position. Keto further highlighted that the tire gave teams a chance to vary their strategies as to when to use them. It helped them maximize the tire’s effectiveness to gain track position over teams that were out on the Prime tires. “Teams were also able to manage their Options once they got track position and make them live longer into a run. Overall we were very happy with the balance and strategy of the Prime/Option tire set-up, and how it added to the racing all day,” Keto added.

Despite facing criticism before the race, the good performance of the option tire at Phoenix has significant implications for the championship race. If the softer tire continues to perform well, it could become the sole choice for the October event, as reported by NASCAR insider Jeff Gluck in January, who wrote on X, “If that softer tire works, NASCAR will make it the primary tire for the championship race.” The success at Phoenix demonstrated that the option tire can enhance racing strategy and performance, addressing initial skepticism and setting a promising stage for future races.

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Goodyear and NASCAR’s enduring partnership

Goodyear and NASCAR are like peanut butter and jelly. Their partnership began in 1954, ending Firestone’s role as the sole tire supplier for NASCAR. The new collaboration became one of the longest-running relationships in racing history. It has been pivotal in shaping NASCAR’s success, with Goodyear providing high-performance tires that meet the sport’s demanding conditions.

In 1997, Goodyear became the sole tire supplier for NASCAR, bringing stability to the sport by eliminating tire wars. This move allowed Goodyear to focus on innovation. They introduced new technologies like rain tires for road courses and short tracks. Earlier, Goodyear had the racing slick in 1972 and the radial tires in 1989. After becoming the sole supplier, they first started experimenting with rain tires and then the multi-zone tread design in 2013. These advancements have enhanced racing dynamics and informed consumer tire development.

The partnership has continued to evolve with NASCAR’s Next Gen car, featuring 18-inch Goodyear Racing Eagle tires. Both parties have been able to push boundaries in performance and innovation as a result of their collaboration. Today, Goodyear remains committed to NASCAR, producing over 100,000 hand-built tires annually. Their shared legacy of performance and innovation continues to drive the sport forward, with a new multi-year agreement in 2022 solidifying their partnership.

The success of the option tire at Phoenix underscores the positive impact of their collaboration, enhancing racing strategy and performance. This enduring partnership continues to drive NASCAR forward, ensuring a future filled with innovation and high-performance racing.