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Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron Aims for Phoenix Win with Bold Tire Strategy

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
March 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron Aims for Phoenix Win with Bold Tire Strategy

Mar 8, 2025; Avondale, AZ, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver William Byron (24) during qualifying for the Shrines Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

In a game-changing twist to NASCAR’s Cup Series, Richmond Raceway 2024 saw teams being offered tire strategy choices for the first time in a point-paying event. Drivers could now choose between two distinct Goodyear tire variants – the softer “option” tire, optimized for short-term grip but falling short in durability, and the harder “prime” tire, designed for longevity but potentially compromising on grip.

The successful journey of William Byron in 2025 continues unabated. Following his triumph at Daytona 500, his Phoenix qualifying pole position has further decorated his impressive record. Driving his No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, Byron clocked a lap at 133.680 mph, narrowly outpacing Joey Logano to clinch his 14th career pole. In a video interaction with Motorsport.com, Byron voiced his astonishment, saying, “The Phoenix pole was a surprise. I hadn’t anticipated leading the lap chart.”

However, the spotlight was on the tire strategy adopted by his team. Post securing the pole at Phoenix Raceway, Byron shared his insights on the Goodyear option tires, consisting of six primary sets and two faster-wearing reds. He intends to employ this new tire strategy to keep up his winning momentum in the 312-mile race.

When asked about the tire’s performance in practice and qualifying, Byron commented, “The tire performed exceptionally well. It did lose some grip with the increase in heat and sliding, but initially, it felt great. It offered more grip, improved pace in the short run, and exhibited a desirable progression through the run. Our car handled well with these tires, though the yellow variant needs some work. I foresee the red variant contributing to an exciting race and a significant variation between the tires.”

In response to Bob Pockrass from Fox Sports regarding his tire strategy for the race, Byron admitted, “The exact plan isn’t clear yet. We have a vague idea about when to switch to the reds, but we need to keep some for the end. I expect the strategy to vary, especially for drivers at the back. However, the top ten will probably stick to the same strategy.”

On being probed about the change in his approach due to pole position, Byron responded, “I try not to get overwhelmed with the strategy. For me, being upfront means we’ll follow the strategy of the top five we’re racing against. It might provide an opportunity for a 20th-place driver like Suarez at Richmond, who capitalized on a caution, but my focus is on optimizing performance for both tires.”

During the 2024 Richmond Raceway race, Daniel Suárez and Trackhouse Racing’s No. 99 team demonstrated a bold approach to NASCAR’s new tire options. Despite starting 21st on prime tires, Suárez managed to finish 15th in the initial 70-lap stage. They later switched to option tires during the stage break, placing him 16th. This strategy aimed to exploit the softer tires’ grip for a 40- to 45-lap stint, despite the performance diminishing later. Although this strategy didn’t secure a victory, it showcased Trackhouse’s innovative approach, resulting in a 10th place finish in the Cook Out 400 and demonstrating the impact of tire choices on short-track racing.

As Byron prepares for the upcoming 312-mile Phoenix race, his strategy to master both tire options could mirror Suárez’s daring Richmond maneuver, setting the stage for an exhilarating clash where strategy and speed intersect on the track.

Byron’s pole position was a surprising achievement, even for him. He beat Joey Logano by a slim 0.054 seconds, securing his 14th career pole and his first since March 2024 at Bristol. Byron’s speed took the field by surprise, as he outpaced Logano’s No. 22 Team Penske Ford, which clocked 133.195 mph, to secure the front-row start in the 312-mile race. The qualifying round saw Byron’s lap even surprising himself.

“I missed my marks, was sideways, carried a ton of entry speed, missed the middle of the corner, and was so loose coming off the dogleg,” Byron revealed. Logano, the 2024 champion with three Phoenix wins, will start alongside, marking his third front-row start in four races this year. Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, and Chase Elliott followed in third, fourth, and fifth positions, respectively, all clocking competitive speeds in their Toyota and Chevrolet entries.

NASCAR has introduced Goodyear’s option tires for this race, with six primary sets and two faster-wearing reds, to shake up Phoenix’s pack racing. Byron’s pole position puts him in an advantageous position to exploit this strategy, while Logano poses a strong challenge. The 36-car grid promises a thrilling 312-lap race, with Byron leading the charge from the coveted top spot.

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