What happens when you fix something that isn’t broken? This is the question that comes to our mind when we reflect on NASCAR’s latest decision. The option tires are what made the short track exciting, with NASCAR banking on Goodyear’s expertise to improve the state of short-track racing. Teams were given the option of primary or option tires, and the choice soon came down to tactics. The outcome? A thrilling race that left teams and supporters demanding more. This was evident at Richmond Raceway last year and followed by the Phoenix race just a few weeks ago.
The softer tire compound by Goodyear was supposed to wear quickly and add more short run speeds to the race cars. In theory, this would push the teams to rely on multiple tire strategies and saving their tires would lead to exciting finishes. It was as if NASCAR was trying to replicate the return of the Bristol race on a concrete track last year in spring. Denny Hamlin emerged victorious in that race where none of the drivers were able to save their tires.
NASCAR debuted this new compound at the All-Star race and ran it again at Richmond. Two sets of red option tires with six primary slicks. And well, Daniel Suarez and the No. 99 team made the most of it by bagging a top 10 finish and leading season best 93 laps. Heck, NASCAR even played a gamble by bringing this new tire to Phoenix to start off the 2025 season, and the application left everyone wanting more. But just when it looked like the sanctions body was headed in the right direction to improve short-track racing, they made a controversial call.
The option tire will be out of the equation for the entirety of the 2025 season. Furthermore, no new tires or options will be given to the teams to replace what looked like a promising effort by NASCAR. “Tires for Martinsville weekend are the same as November. No two different versions of tires this weekend and not expected to have teams choose among two versions (primary and an option) during a race again this year.” Bob Pockrass shared this on X.
Tires for Martinsville weekend are the same as November. No two different versions of tires this weekend and not expected to have teams choose among two versions (primary and an option) during a race again this year.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 25, 2025
Well, NASCAR isn’t sold on the horsepower demands by drivers like Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin. So the only way through which short track racing could’ve been improved was by the Goodyear tires. Well, NASCAR seems to have other ideas about it, and this surprise call just ahead of the crucial Martinsville race has left fans baffled. Needless to say, they had interesting comments and opinions about NASCAR’s decision to hit a pause on a positive change within the sport.
NASCAR fans were sold on the option tire project
“Sometimes I just don’t get it. Best Phoenix race EVER w/ two options. Yep, we’re not doing that again. ” This response captures what many people think: NASCAR had a solution to its short-track problems and discarded it. The option tire in Phoenix spawned several strategies, with some drivers saving it for late-race runs and others using it early for track position. Teams were forced to make judgments due to the different grip levels, which introduced a degree of unpredictability that had been lacking. Fans saw the difference right away, but NASCAR closed it down rather than building on it.
Stale short-track racing has led to detrimental consequences for the traditional tracks. A reshuffle could be in the plans since NASCAR has locked up a date in Mexico City, with Canada and Brazil specluated to be the next venues. And if we are to go by history, NASCAR is more likely to snub a short track over road course races. Richmond lost a date for 2025, while Charlotte Roval retained its spot. And fans are fearful that Martinsville might also suffer a similar fate: “Very disappointing. Another wasted race @MartinsvilleSwy it’s going to lose its luster.”
While the playoff race in Martinsville was surrounded by the race manipulation drama and Christopher Bell’s wall ride, fans didn’t forget how good the option tires were during that race. “Am I missing something here? The soft tire in November is being used again, right? That race was awesome until Chevy manipulated the championship 4 at the end. Why are we complaining?”
For some fans, this isn’t just a bad decision—it’s another sign that NASCAR refuses to listen. “NASCAR HATES THEIR FANS.” In recent years, there has been an increase in this sentiment. Schedule modifications, dubious rule enforcement, and flip-flopping on their own precedent. We saw that with Austin Cindric’s penalty at COTA and then the Mike Wallace Daytona 500. But in this scenario, the tires were actually making some progress, but NASCAR wasn’t sold on the idea and scrapped the whole project.
Denny Hamlin was the one who pitched that he would rather have the option tire as the primary on all short-ovals and one-mile tracks. Well, it is indeed tough for Hamlin and NASCAR to see eye to eye, but even he was sold on the new Goodyear tire compound. “We don’t want options. We don’t want multiple compounds.” Who knows? NASCAR might be working on these lines behind the scenes, but for 2025, the softer Goodyear rubber won’t be available.
Well, an official confirmation by NACAR on this change would shed more light on why they decided to drop the option tire project.
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