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NASCAR Strategies Uncovered: How Joey Logano and Ryan Preece Mastered Tire Management at the Phoenix Race

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
March 11, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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NASCAR Strategies Uncovered: How Joey Logano and Ryan Preece Mastered Tire Management at the Phoenix Race

Mar 9, 2025; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Christopher Bell (20) and driver Joey Logano (22) lead during the restart of the Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

In the thrilling arena of stock car racing, NASCAR’s tire strategy has always been a critical factor. It’s a realm where the selection of tire compounds can significantly dictate the outcomes of high-stakes races. Unlike Formula 1 where drivers have a variety of tire compounds at their disposal, NASCAR has traditionally adhered to the use of a single compound. However, the recent introduction of softer, ‘option’ tires on selected tracks has added a new dimension to the sport. These tires, while offering increased grip, wear out faster, thereby injecting an element of strategy into the racing.

Phoenix, a track notorious for tire wear, has been a prime testing ground for these new options. As NASCAR moves towards this new era, drivers have been compelled to rapidly adapt to remain competitive. A recent race at Phoenix underscored the vital impact of these strategic decisions, offering a closer examination of how teams maneuver these evolving challenges.

Joey Logano’s Phoenix race in 2025 was a riveting narrative of strategy and resilience. Despite an early lead after qualifying second, Logano found himself at the back of the pack due to a drive-through penalty for crossing the yellow line on a restart. This significant setback required him to rethink his strategy for a comeback.

The softer option tires played an instrumental role in aiding Logano’s recovery. These tires offered him the much-needed grip to reclaim his lost position. In the second stage, he exploited these tires to secure a second-place finish, garnering crucial stage points. Fellow driver Ryan Preece underscored the strategic significance of these tires, acknowledging their utility in the first stage. This maneuver underscored the intricate nuances of tire strategy in NASCAR.

The introduction of these softer option tires in NASCAR has layered race strategies with added complexity. Drivers must judiciously decide when to deploy these tires to enhance their performance without compromising durability. Logano’s Phoenix race epitomized the potential benefits and challenges of this strategy. His approach incorporated not only his team’s tactical acumen but also insights from fellow drivers.

Logano’s strategic adaptability under pressure was pivotal to his Phoenix performance. Despite starting the second stage in 24th place due to the penalty, he rapidly ascended the ranks with the assistance of the option tires. Preece observed this strategic shift, noting the diversity of strategies it created. Logano’s performance was a testament to the importance of quick decision-making in NASCAR.

In reflecting on the race, Preece noted the excitement the numerous cautions brought to the race. He emphasized the need for strategic tire management and adaptability on short tracks with limited tires. The unpredictability of the race, caused by the numerous cautions, made it not only an exciting spectacle for fans but also a challenging test for drivers.

Ryan Preece’s own Phoenix race was a precarious balancing act of tire management and track position. Preece’s team, RFK Racing, adopted an alternative strategy by utilizing the option tires early. This daring move enabled Preece to significantly advance, as he was the only driver to use the option tires in the opening stage, earning him a gain of 30 positions.

Preece’s new crew chief, Derrick Finley, likened the race to a ‘cat-and-mouse game’. The team had to meticulously decide when to use the option tires to optimize their performance without diminishing durability. The race’s ten caution periods, the most in Phoenix in five years, created numerous opportunities for drivers like Preece.

However, Preece’s performance was not without risk. The rapid wear of the tires meant he had to carefully navigate to avoid overuse. This was a significant challenge on a track like Phoenix, where tire wear is a constant issue. Despite these challenges, Preece’s strategic balance between aggression and caution with tire management demonstrated the team’s awareness of the race’s evolving dynamics. Preece ultimately secured a 15th place finish, a testament to his strategic navigation of the race’s unpredictable nature.

As we head to Las Vegas, Preece will seek to capitalize on his strategic takeaways from Phoenix. The Las Vegas track, known for its high-speed layout, requires a careful balance of speed and handling. Preece’s experience with the option tires at Phoenix will undoubtedly prove invaluable as he strives to adapt to the new track conditions and continue his upward performance trend.

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