NASCAR veteran Denny Hamlin has rekindled an old controversy, calling out Goodyear over their tire-related decisions. Hamlin’s criticism, backed by the NASCAR garage, has elicited a significant response, thrusting the tire issue back into the limelight.
Hamlin’s grievances hark back to 2019, when NASCAR’s ‘arm’s length’ rule on pit road dictated whether a tire was uncontrolled, leading to severe penalties. The rule was changed, largely due to the persistence of Hamlin and his team, Joe Gibbs Racing. Nonetheless, the track’s tire-related issues remained unaddressed, a factor that could potentially make or break a race.
Kyle Busch’s recent loss at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) due to tire wear during the race’s final stages serves as a stark reminder of the significant role tires play in racing outcomes. NASCAR has found itself in the crosshairs, with drivers expressing dissatisfaction over tire management issues.
As the Phoenix race approaches, Hamlin has expressed hope that the softer option tire might inject a new level of excitement into the competition. Not as soft as the Martinsville tire but akin to the Richmond option tire, the softer option is known for causing tire falloff. This phenomenon could potentially shake up the racing dynamics, making the Phoenix track, notorious for its challenging passing, more exciting.
Hamlin has also highlighted the criticism Phoenix has faced, primarily due to its flat layout and aerodynamic dependency. The aerodynamic limitations make it challenging for cars to break away from each other’s wake. However, Hamlin believes the introduction of a tire that provides better mechanical grip could shift the status quo.
Extending his criticism beyond Phoenix, Hamlin has called on Goodyear to introduce similar tires to mile-and-a-half tracks that often grapple with aerodynamic problems. This, Hamlin believes, could enhance racing dynamics, especially on tracks where aerodynamics play a significant role.
Hamlin’s outspokenness on tire falloff is nothing new. He has made repeated calls for better tire performance, and the introduction of softer tires seems to be a step in the right direction. The tire strategy’s potential to influence racing dynamics at Phoenix has Hamlin cautiously optimistic, with fans eager to see how this plays out.
However, Phoenix has not been kind to Hamlin recently. His performances at the track have been disappointing, a far cry from his usual form. His last victory at Phoenix came in 2019 at the Bluegreen Vacations 500, a win that kept his championship dreams alive. Since then, his performances have been middling, with no wins and average finishes.
Hamlin’s current season hasn’t been much better, marked by inconsistency and subpar results. However, a strong 6th-place finish at Atlanta might give him a confidence boost heading into Phoenix. The introduction of the soft tire option could be the game-changer Hamlin needs. As Sunday approaches, all eyes will be on Hamlin to see if the tire advantages can help him regain his form.
