Since the last year, NASCAR is undergoing multiple changes. Most notably, using the Next Gen cars. It is a whole new experience for drivers. While the drivers are getting accustomed to it, there is one issue that has constantly popped up in the last twelve months. The tires used have time and again been a problem and a lot of criticism is directed toward the supplier, Goodyear. Former Hendrick Motorsports driver Dale Earnhardt Jr recently expressed his disappointment with the tire manufacturer.

In any form of motorsport racing, tires play a very pivotal role. It is not just about the competitive factor, but it massively concerns the safety of the driver. It is safe to say many of the current and former NASCAR drivers aren’t in favor of the tire company. One such personality is Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Earnhardt Jr slams Goodyear for their tire quality

The son of seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Dale Earnhardt Sr, Dale Jr himself has plenty of racing experience under his belt. Considered one of the masters in restrictor plate racing, the 48-year-old definitely knows a thing or two about the importance of tires.

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Speaking on his podcast Dale Jr. Download, he questioned Goodyear’s tire quality. He said, “A lot changed over the last decade, decade and a half with Goodyear in terms of the chemicals that they use in the tires. They went to a greener tire and when they went to a much greener tire and took out some of those components, the tire wore differently than it would.”

“It was more of a gumball and kind of would ball up these little marbles and it’s now more dusty in terms of how it wears away but anyhow you know the tire is important. It connects the car to the road. Does Goodyear want a tire that wears out? Is that going to help them sell tires.. to mainstream America on the highway?”

He continues, “If their tires are literally just falling apart on the race cars, is that good? Maybe they look at that and go no we don’t want to put a tire that wears out in 40 laps…I’m not going to be able to sell Jimmy Bob tires when he sees them things wore to the chords and 40 laps at the race at Martinsville.” The man has got a valid point, and it is surely something that needs to be addressed promptly by Goodyear.

Goodyear had a year to forget in 2022

Seeing the tires fail repeatedly last year, a number of drivers were at odds with Goodyear being the supplier. Denny Hamlin, in particular, was quite unhappy with the tire performance, especially after the Texas Motor Speedway.

Goodyear and NASCAR have enjoyed a long partnership since 1972. Despite the constant issues, the agreement between the two parties was renewed last December.

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With the Next Gen cars, the task for Goodyear hasn’t got any easier. It will be a massive task for them to ensure there are no major hick-ups because of the tires this season.