I don’t think 10 laps at the end is a long-enough run to burn the good out of the softer tires, meaning the final segment might just be all about a driver pushing their car to its limits and going all out for the allure of a giant check waiting in victory lane.
(Key note: I also don’t think it’s a coincidence that Kyle Larson, often discussed as one of the most aggressive drivers in NASCAR today, was at the All-Star announcement. The fact remains that he is the Cup points leader, but he ran multiple tire compounds when he raced dirt cars regularly … so you do the math and assume what you wish.)
Oh, by the way, NASCAR likes to use the All-Star Race as their test dummy, to trial possible rule changes or methods to improve competition before implementing them across the board for the following season.
Tuesday’s press conference confirmed that was indeed the case with the new ‘option’ tires.
“This is something we will certainly look at for 2018,” said NASCAR Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer Steve O’Donnell. “We want to see how this plays out. But when you look at where the levers we can look to pull from a competitive standpoint, this is certainly one of those, and one we’re excited about. We’re positive about what could happen … and it’s something we would look at for sure.”
All I’ve got to say is, don’t overthink this, NASCAR.
Multiple tire options have worked around the world. They can work here at home too. (At least, I hope they do.)
And if next month’s All-Star Race provides us with the kind of energy and emphatic finish that ‘One Hot Night’ did in 1992? Then we might just have to all write a thank-you note to NASCAR and Goodyear for jumping on the bandwagon and giving this a shot.
Yes, even you, Kyle Busch.
The opinions expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Race Chaser Online, the Performance Motorsports Network, Scorpion Radio Group, their sponsors or other contributors.
About the Writer
Jacob Seelman is the Managing Editor of Race Chaser Online and creator of the Motorsports Madness radio show, airing at 7 p.m. Eastern every Monday on the Performance Motorsports Network.
Seelman grew up in the sport, watching his grandparents co-own the RaDiUs Motorsports NASCAR Cup Series team in the 1990s.
The 22-year-old is currently studying Broadcast Journalism at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C., and is also serving as the full-time tour announcer for the Must See Racing Sprint Car Series.
Email Jacob at: editor@racechaseronline.com
Follow on Twitter: @Speed77Radio or @JacobSeelman77
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