Get ready for a game-changer in NASCAR—Goodyear’s bold move with a new right-side tire in the 2025 season is set to revolutionize race strategies, and this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about speed, but about mastering tire management and pit calls. But here's where it gets controversial—could this shift give certain drivers an unfair edge? Let’s dive in.
Starting at Kansas in September and Las Vegas in October, Goodyear introduced a tire designed to increase wear, forcing teams to rethink their tactics. The goal? Longer green-flag runs and smarter pit decisions, according to Goodyear’s Justin Fantozzi. He described it as a ‘grip-speed balancer,’ especially for smoother tracks like Kansas, opening up new strategic possibilities for dynamic racing. And now, RFK’s Ryan Preece is hinting that this change could completely rewrite the racing playbook.
Preece’s Insight: A Wake-Up Call for Pit Strategy
In a recent interview, Preece didn’t hold back: ‘Many of us drivers have been talking about the need for more tire wear and how it changes our approach. Drivers like me and Chase Elliott, who come from late models, are used to managing long green-flag runs. This plays right into our strengths.’ His point? Goodyear’s 2025 tweaks to the right-side compounds are forcing drivers to adapt, especially during those marathon green runs. For drivers like Preece, who honed their skills in late models where tire management is critical, this is their moment to shine.
The Kansas and Las Vegas tests were designed to challenge pit variability, testing who could stretch their tires without losing performance. Preece’s performance at RFK speaks volumes: ‘That was my best race car at RFK. Even after a penalty, we charged back into the top five. It showed how well our car handled long runs.’
The Strategy Shift: From Rubber Babying to Aggressive Racing
Under the new compounds, tire savvy and setup are everything. Preece demonstrated this at Vegas, bouncing back from a setback and slicing through traffic. His late-race charge from 20th to 9th highlighted the power of mastering tire strategy. As he put it, ‘Once fresh tires were on, it was go time.’
But this isn’t without controversy. After Goodyear’s tire experiment at Bristol, Ryan Blaney admitted, ‘The tires were interesting. No one expected that. I guess that’s what they want.’ The new wear shifts the focus from preserving tires to aggressive restarts, rewarding those who are prepared. Preece’s success underscores this: master the compounds, and you gain a strategic edge that turns into firepower on the track.
Preece’s Roval Rebound and the Road Ahead
Preece’s performance at Vegas, where he finished ninth, marked his second top-10 in nine races. Despite starting 16th and dropping to 31st in Stage 2, his final-segment surge showcased the power of tire strategy. ‘We had that little opportunity with 15 to go, and we took advantage of it,’ he said post-race, crediting his team’s long-run hustle and his late-model roots.
Controversial Question: Is This Shift Fair?
With three races left, Preece is chasing his first Cup win, but the bigger question lingers: Does Goodyear’s new tire give late-model drivers like Preece an unfair advantage? Or is it simply leveling the playing field by emphasizing skill over sheer speed? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
