Any NASCAR fan across the globe who is also an active user of social media has surely come across a series of clips where one could see Tony Stewart pulling no punches while bashing the official tire manufacturer of the sport. While those clips are surely entertaining to watch, they also give us a glimpse into a deeper and darker problem being faced by the governing body. 

The root cause of the concern might just be the growing monopolization of Goodyear. Speaking of which, it has always been the physical configuration of the car and its setup that draws the most attention not only from the drivers but also the fans. Even the liveries of the cars create an aura of awe in the NASCAR community.

However, one of the indispensable yet one of the most overlooked components of the car are the tires, on which the fate of the car and the driver hinges. As a result, it is of the gravest concern that these tires are made of state-of-the-art technology and propel the drivers to their success. Nonetheless, it seems that the stifling concerns from the industry insiders seem to paint a different picture.

NASCAR’s unconditional friendship with Goodyear gets an extension 

In a 1.5-mile track of NASCAR, the tires of a stock car sustain for 40-60 laps, alternatively 60-80 miles. Above this, the cars need to opt for a pit stop in need of a new tire or may encounter a loss of momentum, or in a worst-case scenario, a tire failure. Moreover, the wearing of tires also varies from track to track and is directly proportional to the speed of the car on the track.

Catering to the various needs without compromising the safety of the drivers is Goodyear, the tire-manufacturing giant of NASCAR. The sport in its 75th year has transformed by leaps and bounds, with the yesteryears being replaced with the zealous younger generations. However, the one thing that has remained constant over the years is the partnership of NASCAR with Goodyear.

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A partnership that started back in 1954, is still going strong after 70 years. The manufacturing giant has been termed as the “Official Tire of NASCAR” and has also extended its contract with the sport authorities, in December, back in 2022. Moreover, it is also the title sponsor for the throwback weekend of the Cup Series in Darlington: Goodyear 400. 

The Chief Executive Officer of Goodyear Richard. J Kramer, with the extension of their contract, had expressed to the media, “From our manufacturing plants to offices around the world, racing is ingrained in our culture, and the importance of our relationship with NASCAR is reflected in the quality, performance, and engineering we put into every Goodyear Eagle race tire. Our performance on the racetrack plays an active role in the success of the sport and inspires the development of our consumer tires, fueling our commitment to take performance and innovation to the next year.”

Will NASCAR witness another ‘tire war’? 

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Although the manufacturing giant has enjoyed autonomy in the world of NASCAR in recent years, there have been instances in the past where the position faced serious threats. This was one of the watershed moments of NASCAR that eventually crystallized Goodyear’s position in the world of NASCAR. One of the infamous instances being the ‘tire wars’ between Goodyear and Hoosier that reached its ultimate skirmish back in 1994.

The seeds of the rivalry were first planted back in 1986 when Goodyear encountered a hostile takeover by Sire James Goldsmith. Feeling threatened under the transitioning management, the NASCAR authorities summoned Hoosier as the fallback option for tires. Moreover, the new manufacturers enjoyed early success in the races, with drivers parking their cars in the victory lane, with Hoosier tires on. 

However, Goodyear not willing to be a silent spectator, tried to launch with newer compounds, making it durable. Thus, intensifying the rivalry between the two. However, the final blow awaited Hoosier in 1989 when Dale Earnhardt surpassed Rusty Wallace and marked his victory at Wilkesboro. As a result, Hoosier bowed out of NASCAR, after the final race at Talladega, before trying to make headway for the one last time in 1991.

However, that return marked the final nail to the coffin, when in 1994 Rodney Orr succumbed to a fatal crash in Daytona, running on Hoosier tire. It was later revealed that it was the mechanical issue and not the tires that led to the fateful crash in Daytona. Nevertheless, this incident finally paved the dominance of Goodyear, after Hoosier left NASCAR for good after citing exorbitant production costs, and tough competition. Moreover, this dominance by Goodyear remains unchallenged to date.

Can Goodyear be replaced by other competitors in NASCAR? 

However, even with utmost authority, the manufacturers seemed to have been at the shorter end of the stick, as they faced backlash from the drivers. Tony Stewart, who has always locked horns with NASCAR, had lashed out at Goodyear back in 2008 as “the most pathetic racing tire.” Even Kyle Busch had once remarked, “You know, Goodyear tires just aren’t very good at holding air.”

These tire woes finally reached a tipping point in the 2022 Cup Series race in Texas, where numerous drivers and former champions faced tire failures. While many drivers were livid with the fact, it was Chase Elliott who jumped to protect Goodyear. “I’m not sure that Goodyear is at fault,” he said. Nevertheless, the problems persisted in the 2023 season, as tire cuts shoved the drivers to the outside retaining wall and jeopardized the life of the drivers. 

With Martin Truex Jr cutting a wheel at Kansas and Chase Elliott facing the same fate in Las Vegas, the advocacy for a new competitor seems to intensify. Moreover, rookie driver Ty Gibbs witnessed a loose tire and the rubber coming out of the metal rim, asserting the flimsiness of the tires.

However, the question arises as to who shall be the next competitor. Will Hoosier, who has been the tire supplier of the ARCA series and was brought by Continental make its third attempt to usurp Goodyear from its autonomy? Even the founder of Hoosier, Bob Newton, after calling it quits in the tire wars had exclaimed, “There’s a big chance I’ll be back. Maybe as an advisor or ally to a major company with the clout to compete in NASCAR.”

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With this being said, it will be interesting to see if Goodyear finally witnesses another tough rivalry after the drivers faced unprecedented challenges with the tires.