NASCAR on the Path to Save Short Tracks With Goodyear’s Valiant Effort at the All-Star Race

NASCAR has dealt with several blows for its short-track racing setbacks many times already. However, now the sanctioning body may receive a round of cheers from fans and racers alike. North Wilkesboro Speedway, the hallowed ground of motorsport, came back to life last year. And this weekend, the venerated track may become a short-track messiah.

The second running of the All-Star Race entails a treasure trove of possibilities. That is mainly due to Goodyear and NASCAR’s collaborative efforts. Their wheel-centric innovation is bound to change the look of short-track racing, as the tire director confirms.

NASCAR’s short-track woes are on the path to recovery

The Next-Gen car was unveiled in 2022 and received a mixed bag of responses. While racing improved on 1.5-mile speedways, the new Cup car lagged in other areas. Most notably, short tracks, as passing difficulties emerged and drivers complained. NASCAR tried several aero packages to upgrade the situation, but nothing seemed to work.

Finally, a feasible solution may be on the cards. The All-Star race has always been known to be an innovative space: stage racing was tested at this race before being introduced to points races. Goodyear’s Director of Racing, Greg Stucker, highlighted this recently: “North Wilkesboro being a non-points race, being the All-Star Race, is really a great opportunity to try some new things.”

Hence, this year’s ingenuity is the multiple tire options. While the prime tire has a dry compound, the option tire has a wet-weather compound. And the latter tire hogs the spotlight with its unique features. “In our tests, we saw it three to four-tenths faster than what the prime tire would be. That’s the reward for using the option tire, but at the same time, it’s tougher to manage. It’s faster, yet it’s gonna fall off more over the course of the longer run.”

This is bound to repeat the thrilling tire fall-off race we witnessed in Bristol. And the All-Star Race may potentially be a stepping stone for solving short-track issues. Stucker said, “The opportunity here at the All-Star Race with the option tire is to see if this kind of strategy will help short-track racing… something of that risk and reward element that’ll improve the overall racing. So if we’re successful… then obviously we’ll get our heads together with NASCAR, with the teams, and determine if this is something we might wanna pursue in the future.”

The All-Star Race’s advantages also enthralled veteran drivers like Denny Hamlin.

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After re-entering the NASCAR scene last year, North Wilkesboro Speedway received a facelift. Besides the intense refurbishing that went into unveiling the All-Star Race’s new venue, the track owners initiated another revamp. The track’s asphalt has received its first repave since 1981. Denny Hamlin, the 2015 All-Star Race venue, was surprised at the 50-minute practice session on Friday: “We ran a tire that no way they would ever feel comfortable with us running, especially on a new paved track like this, and we ran over 40 laps and we didn’t see any cords or anything.”

The No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing driver also narrowed down his positive analysis on one aspect of the new tire strategy. “The biggest thing I noticed is that we had left-side heat. That’s something that we have not had on our short-track cars in quite some time. And so with the left sides getting hot, that’s going to make new tires matter, it’s going to make passing easier. So I think as long as they stay as aggressive as they can on the left sides, this is a step in the right direction and then good job for Goodyear.”

Other racers like Martin Truex Jr also harbored positive reviews like Denny Hamlin. If the veterans are excited, then the racing fans are also bound to get a treat this weekend.