• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Goodyear unveils new NASCAR All-Star Softer Race Tire

The idea behind the newer tire option is to induce more exciting racing for the fans.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s ride with Goodyear’s softer option tire (Image via Times Union.)

The 25th anniversary of The Winston, later dubbed NASCAR’s All-Star Race presents throwbacks and new additions to the racing landscape. Goodyear unveiled a new, softer tire for teams to use in the 70-lap event on May 20th.

The idea behind the newer tire option is to induce more exciting racing for the fans, especially since the All-Star Race format can be tricky to understand, and lack excitement. The softer tire will allow more grip cohesion to the racetrack, allowing for faster speeds and more lane selection availability.

Goodyear’s GM Stu Grant said the tires were setup to endure roughly a 20 lap circuit before giving out.

Kevin Harvick, driver of the № 4 Busch Bucks Ford produced a lap in Charlotte’s practice on Friday at 189.095 mph with the new set of tires. Four laps later, that speed was dropped to 183.511 mph— proving the beneficial short-run speed of the tire that could be used to a team’s advantage.

Goodyear’s softer tire. (Image via Aaron Blake)

“From what I’ve seen so far today, I think NASCAR should be really pleased with what happened this afternoon,” said Grant, “because we ended up delivering, I think, exactly what they wanted, which was a faster tire that gave up more.”

Martin Truex Jr., driver of the №78 added “They’re so much faster, we’re going to have to do this.”

“I’m excited about it” said points leader Kyle Larson, “I hope that the option tire is a good thing, because I think it would be a cool kind of added thing for regular season races in the future.” Larson also added he suspects NASCAR and Goodyear are collaborating to use Saturday’s race as a test for future tire possibilities.

As far as Goodyear is concerned, it said officials have confirmed the softer tire option for future races, but it remains up to NASCAR to implement them.

Strategy remain’s the option’s biggest piece, because of the softer rubber, the tires mixed with the 195 mph speed can cause them to blow out if run too long.

NASCAR’s largest social media presence, Dale Earnhardt Jr. showed skepticism about the new tires with its design, “The track has so much speed at the end of the race there. If I got hard tires and I’m starting on the front row, I feel as confident as anyone else in that little dash for the win. That soft tire will be good for three or four laps before it starts evening out. It will be interesting.”

The guarantee is uncertain, but with drivers anticipating the new tires, and the premise of better racing along with the 25th anniversary of ‘One Hot Night’, the 2017 All-Star Race should prove who wants the $1 million more, and which team can use strategy to their advantage.


Front Office Sports is a leading multi-platform publication and industry resource that covers the intersection of business and sports.

Want to learn more, or have a story featured about you or your organization? Contact us today.

https://upscri.be/f32ae1

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Feb 7, 2025; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies center Tarris Reed Jr. (5) reacts after his basket against the St. John's Red Storm in the first half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion.

After Decade Apart, ESPN and Big East Rekindle Media Rights Relationship

After a decade-plus apart, the network will stream hundreds of conference events.

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
Jun 10, 2025; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) drops back to pass during minicamp at their South Side facility.
opinion

Steelers Win-Now Mode Is Good News for NFL Media Partners

The conservative “Steeler Way” has finally adapted—and media partners are happy.

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.

Featured Today

2025 PDC World Darts Championship Final - Luke Littler vs Michael Van Gerwen

A Teen Darts Prodigy Is Becoming Bigger Than the Game Itself

Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler is cashing in on his devastatingly accurate shot.
May 31, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Sydney McLaughin-Levrone (USA) reacts before the women's 100m hurdles during the Grand Slam Track Philadelphia at Franklin Field
exclusive
July 13, 2025

Track’s New Money Is Running Into Old Problems

The sport’s big-money era has hit some speed bumps in 2025.
Bobbleheads are seen at Vintage Indy Sports, Tuesday, April 29, 2025 in Speedway. The local sports memorabilia store opened recently.
July 12, 2025

Baseball’s Bobbleheads Are the Center of the Collectibles Universe

Baseball’s most important keepsake drives long lines—and big business.
Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.
July 11, 2025

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.

Judge Rules for NFL, Fanatics Against Small Apparel Seller

The lawsuit argued the NFL “aids and abets” Fanatics with its strategy.
June 13, 2025

What Rolapp’s NFL Exit Means—and the Top Candidates to Replace Him

NFL media boss Brian Rolapp leaves; the league hunts for his replacement.
John Textor
July 11, 2025

UEFA Boots Crystal Palace from Europa League Over Ownership Issues

The South London club will appeal the ruling.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Gabby Thomas
exclusive
June 12, 2025

Grand Slam Track Cancels Los Angeles Meet As $30 Million Track Start-Up..

Sources close to Grand Slam insist money is not an issue.
May 23, 2025

New LPGA Commissioner: Women’s Golf ‘Really Hard’ to Find on TV

Former PGA of America COO Craig Kessler will lead the tour.
Donald Trump, Nick Saban
May 22, 2025

Proposed Trump College Sports Commission May Never Happen

The White House is not sure of its plans.
May 15, 2025

PGA Championship Tees Off With Free Food, Record Hospitality Sales

General admission includes unlimited food and non-alcoholic beverages.