For NASCAR Cup races on short ovals, teams will have the option to choose between two different types of tires for the 400-lap event.
Typically, Goodyear provides one tire combination for each event. However, NASCAR experimented with an ‘option tire’ at the All-Star Race earlier this year at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
In an upcoming points-paying Cup race before the playoffs, teams will have the choice between the standard “prime tire” compound and a softer “option tire.”
Teams will have three sets of the option tire available – one for practice and two for the race. The prime tire will be marked by yellow lettering, while the option tire will have red lettering and is made from the same compound as wet weather tires for ovals.
Richmond Speedway, with its older and more abrasive surface compared to North Wilkesboro, will provide a better test for the different tire compounds.
There are no restrictions on when teams can use each set of tires during the race, but all four tires on the car must match. Practice time at Richmond has been extended to a single 45-minute session to allow teams more time to adjust to the tire compounds.
