Last year, NASCAR made waves by resurrecting its iconic racetrack, North Wilkesboro, and hosting the All-Star Race there in 2023. Now, once again, the $1 million prize pool event is returning for the current season, set to unfold at NWS.
However, NASCAR is set to shake things up by testing new tire concepts, as revealed by NASCAR President Steve Phelps in a recent interview. Fox Sports journalist Bob Pockrass shared a video of Phelps discussing the plans, emphasizing the use of slick tires made with rubber typically reserved for rain tires. This innovative approach promises to add an intriguing twist to the race, fueling anticipation among fans and drivers alike.
NASCAR President Steve Phelps on using the all-star race to experiment with different ideas (this year — using a slick tire made with tire rubber typically used for rain tires). pic.twitter.com/MvGxo8X4Em
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 23, 2024
Bob wrote in an X post,’ “NASCAR President Steve Phelps on using the all-star race to experiment with different ideas (this year — using a slick tire made with tire rubber typically used for rain tires).”
NASCAR Tire Issues in 2024
The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season has seen its fair share of tire-related challenges. From new tire compounds to unexpected wear issues, teams and drivers have had to adapt their strategies to stay competitive. Let’s dive into the tire-related issues that have shaped the racing landscape this year.
At Bristol Motor Speedway, teams faced an unexpected tire wear issue. During the race, they discovered that they couldn’t go more than 47 to 50 laps without risking tire cording (reaching the point of losing air pressure). To manage this, NASCAR allowed Goodyear to provide teams with an additional set of tires during the race. However, this adjustment significantly impacted the race pace and pit strategies.
