P1racenews AI automatic summary:
NASCAR and Goodyear baffled by Bristol tyre wear issues
Despite bringing the same tyre combination as the previous race at the track, Goodyear faced challenges with excessive tyre wear and poor rubber deposition on the track during the recent race. The teams had to manage tyre wear carefully, with NASCAR permitting an extra set of tyres during the race to help alleviate the situation. However, this change still affected the race pace and pit strategies significantly. Goodyear’s racing director discussed the unexpected track behavior, attributing the issue to an “unknown” factor. While similarities in temperature to the previous race were noted, the track’s behavior deviated, possibly due to the use of traction resin in turns instead of PJ1. The race saw tire conservation strategies leading to a record number of lead changes, although the excessive tire wear also resulted in multiple caution periods. Despite the challenges, the race was considered one of the best short-track events, with discussions about potential adjustments for the future, such as additional tyre tests or increased tyre allocations. NASCAR officials debated on the need for change, emphasizing the excitement and competitiveness observed during the event.
