The NASCAR Cup Series races are not just demanding for the teams, but also the manufacturers. They need to optimize their offerings to help the teams get the best possible results. Goodyear is running one such experiment to revolutionize the racing dynamics, providing the teams with the necessary sets of tires and their kinds.

With just a few hours away from the Richmond race, all the teams are picking their brains to implement the best possible strategy in a bid to win. Looking at the Richmond practice session, Martin Truex Jr has his mind made.

Six sets of prime and two sets of option tires, that’s what teams will get

NASCAR has brought a big change to the Series by introducing option tires. They are strategically crucial for the teams at this point, as the regular season is in its final stretch. Even Goodyear intends to figure out the perfect tire setup for the NASCAR Playoffs that are just a month away now.

The practice race has given a preview to the Cook Out 400 at the Richmond Raceway, and teams are picking their brains for a decision. NASCAR had put forward two choices for the teams: one was, to begin with prime tires and switch to option for good finishes; the other was to start on option for a good track position and switch to primes.

Martin Truex Jr observed an essential aspect of the use of option tires during the Richmond practice on Saturday. According to Truex Jr, the best choice will be to keep the option tires for the end so as to be prepared for a last-minute caution as witnessed during the practice race. Bob Pockrass tweeted the video of Truex Jr saying, “In case we get a situation like we did in this run (practice session), we got a caution with 2 laps to go. If you don’t have it, you’re gonna get smoke.”

However, the strategy is subject to change depending on a driver’s situation and the team’s approach to it. Although most team chiefs are inclined towards gambling the options for the final sprint, the run to victory lane is not a sure shot. If the final run is drawn out and requires robustness, the options won’t survive. “So, yeah I think, it just depends on everybody’s situation,” remarked Truex Jr.

The practice went surprisingly well for Austin Dillon as he recorded the fastest lap with a soft tire start, while Denny Hamlin secured the pole position for the Sunday race. Now, everyone knows what purposes the two sets of tires serve, but the timing is a head-scratcher because of the unpredictable nature of the race. And the fact that this will be the first time the options will be used on a worn-out surface will add to the complication.

NASCAR is trying to keep up the competitive spirit of the sport by playing around uncertainties. And it’s fair play, as everyone has to deal with it equally. As Truex Jr commented post-practice, “They don’t want us to be prepared for everything.”

The gamble can turn out sour if the reserved options remain unused

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No matter how many possibilities any team factors in, the use of tires will remain a gamble. “I mean, that’s the risk you always take, right, with tires…That’s why the crew chiefs get paid big bucks tomorrow,” exclaimed Ryan Blaney. The race conditions have a lot of bearing on the results and only the race will reveal whether the choice was right.

It has been pointed out by veteran NASCAR analysts that a set of primes and two sets of options in the 165-lap final stage of the race will be ideal. It will make all the possibilities defendable. But that’s the ideal scenario, and you can control the plans only so much.

For those who will be watching the race, keep an eye out for the tires your favorite drivers are using. The red-lettered tires are the options while the yellow-lettered ones are the primes. There will be one set of prime tires transferred from the qualifying for each time, in addition to the six new sets of prime tires.

Martin Truex Jr predicted, “My opinion, you know, but I could be wrong, the guys that are running for having a shot at win are probably gonna keep their tires hanging around for the end.” The #19 Toyota Camry driver made it to the top five in the practice along with his #20 Joe Gibbs Racing teammate.

What do you think will be the ideal tire strategy for Richmond? Let us know.