This season NASCAR seems to be focused more on tires than the aerodynamics to improve the short-track racing experience. We all saw that shift in focus when they decided to use the “option” tire at the North Wilkesboro race. And recently there was a lot of talk about it making a comeback. Jim Utter had said he had been hearing a lot about it. Even spotter Kraft made a comment saying “It looks like” about the rumor of its comeback. And now it has been confirmed. Considering how the All-Star race panned out, how do you think the community is feeling about this new development? Not too happy we’d say. 

The “option” tire making a bold comeback at Richmond

While most were waiting to hear about NASCAR’s verdict on Bubba Wallace, Matt Weaver had another announcement on Wednesday. He reported that NASCAR would indeed be using multiple tire compounds in Richmond in an attempt to improve their short-track racing. He confirmed that it would be the same ones that were used at the North Wilkesboro Speedway. 

We all know that NASCAR’s decision to use them in North Wilkesboro didn’t exactly rule out in their favor. The tire fallout rates were different than what NASCAR had anticipated, and we saw a mixed reaction to the option tire. Fans called it “the most boring race” and wanted the cars to have more horsepower to better the short-track experience instead. But despite all the criticism, we do have the tires back into action.

But this time, things are a little different. Not only is it a points-paying race, but also, unlike last time, teams will have the autonomy to choose when to use the tire compound. And this is what many teams, and drivers wanted, and NASCAR decided to give it a go.

The track itself will bring another difference, as the tire wear on Richmond will be different than what we saw at North Wilkesboro. This is because Richmond’s track has aged, unlike the latter which was just recently repaved. So the “tire wear” that everyone is looking for, which we saw created a stellar race in Bristol earlier this season, might be what Richmond delivers. 

However, fans are unsure if this is the big fix to short-track racing in NASCAR!

Fans bash NASCAR for copying F1 and IndyCar!

NASCAR has often been bashed for copying others, particularly F1 and IndyCar. As a sport with humble beginnings, many fans feel that NASCAR is straying from its roots by adopting practices and innovations that don’t align with its traditional identity- whether it be going to Chicago, spending more than necessary, or their media deals. This time, fans are also unsettled about the tires. One fan said, “We really have become IndyCar”. 

But IndyCar and F1 are different sports altogether, with different racing dynamics and, of course, a different crowd. One fan highlighted the disappointment and flatly called out NASCAR. He said, “Multiple tire compounds at Ovals are dumb, especially with stage racing. Put them on the RCs. Indycar of all series can get this right”

These sentiments run large. Most don’t understand the use of multiple tires like “prime”, “option” and “wet”. Many feel that it makes the race too strategically oriented than just plain traditional racing. One fan said, “Just like IndyCar and F1″.

NASCAR essentially failed for the most part in North Wilkesboro and that, for many, was a chapter closed for the option tires. And now they have gone on to get it back, but no one believes it can revive or direct short-tracking racing to the level NASCAR wants it to. One fan said, “This will be a disappointment, just like every other time they’ve tried it.”

Many fans are also unsure whether the option tires will even make it to 20 laps. However, NASCAR has turned a blind eye. Highlighting that, one fan said, “Nascar is like Fox. They don’t listen to the fan’s feedback.”

It remains to be seen what exactly will happen at Richmond and if NASCAR can finally reach the place where it intended to be. What do you think will happen?