NASCAR where uncertainty reigns supreme, partnerships can be both a blessing and a curse. For Goodyear, their 7 decades-long association has been a rollercoaster ride, and it’s far from over as just last year, they inked a multi-year deal, signaling their commitment to the sport, but recent events have cast a shadow over their reputation. Critics have long complained about Goodyear’s performance and quality on the track and this year, those concerns reached their zenith. Despite rigorous testing, tire failures have become an all-too-common sight at race weekends, leaving fans and teams frustrated.

One of the most prominent victims of these tire failures has been NASCAR’s beloved Chase Elliott. Just when he needed a flawless performance to secure his playoff hopes, Goodyear struck with ill-timed tire issues, pushing Elliott further down the cutoff line. However, with that chapter closed as the 2023 postseason unfolds, teammate William Byron, seems to have forgiven and forgotten, standing by the Ohio-based company that once jeopardized their championship dreams.

Ultimate download to Hendrick Motorsports’ Michigan misfortunes

With only four races left before the playoffs, the pressure on Elliott had reached a fever pitch. Misfortunes seemed to dog him every lap, leaving him starved for victory. First, a debilitating leg injury sidelined him for six races, then a race suspension following a neck-to-neck with Hamlin‘s No. 11 compounded his woes. As the Hendrick Motorsports standout entered Michigan, hopes soared that it might rekindle his championship aspirations. However, fate remained unkind as he departed Michigan empty-handed, leaving him with a season that promised much but had so far delivered everything but a win.

As the rain-delayed Michigan race reached its 34th lap, Goodyear seemed to have a cruel twist in store for Elliott. Just as hope flickered, a tire failure struck as he entered Turn 2, sending his No. 9 car careening into the unforgiving outside retaining wall. The impact inflicted significant damage, forcing him to limp his wounded car to the pits in a desperate bid to patch it up and rejoin the pack. However, fate had different plans, and the damage proved too severe to mend on the spot. Despite having been in the ninth position before the mishap, Elliott had to reluctantly settle for a DNF in the 36th place.

And 12 laps later, the race continued to be a tale of misfortune for HMS as teammate William Byron faced his own setback. This time, it happened on the final lap of Stage 1. In a fervent attempt to gather more stage points, Byron’s No. 24 car scraped the outside wall at the exit of Turn 4, abruptly ending his race. Like Elliott before him, Byron had to accept a DNF against his name, joining Elliott on the sidelines.

WATCH THIS STORY: Joe Gibbs Racing Member Justifies Martin Truex Jrs Fiery Outburst

In the garage, Byron undoubtedly had a front-row seat to Elliott’s struggles with Goodyear. However, a month later, Byron’s tune does not time with Elliott’s. Whether he had forgotten about his teammates’ plight or simply didn’t care, he now openly sided with Goodyear, stating, “It’s just the way.”

Teammate William Byron’s take on Chase Elliott’s Goodyear woes

Trending

Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Stepmother Follows Through on the Grudge, With His Legacy Also Hanging in the Balance

May 16, 2024 04:49 AM EDT

Chase Elliott Skeptical of Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Revival of NASCAR’s “Lost Relic” After Years of Deliberation

May 18, 2024 07:11 PM EDT

Chase Elliott Refuses to See Eye to Eye With Dale Jr’s NASCAR Vision With 9-Words

May 18, 2024 06:25 PM EDT

Rick Hendrick & Co.’s Partnership with Tarnished Sponsor Triggers Bitter Outburst- “F*CK Liberty”

May 17, 2024 04:29 PM EDT

Rick Hendrick Lending a Helping Hand to Stewart-Haas Racing Amid Dire Times Leaves Insider Infuriated

May 19, 2024 06:50 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NASCAR stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

As the postseason takes center stage, Texas looms on the horizon, consequently sparking concerns about the haunting memories of numerous tire failures. In response, Goodyear has packed its bags with a new right-side tire to test on track during the race. Byron, when questioned on whether this change could mitigate the tire issues voiced his optimism. Byron weighed in, “Yeah, I do. I mean, I doubt that we’ll see as many issues. I still think there’s a possibility to see a couple of issues. But it seems like the numbers this year have been down quite a bit in terms of tire failures.”

While there is hope for improved tire reliability, the specter of tire failures continues to cast a shadow over the event. Byron acknowledged the ongoing challenge, saying, “But we still have two or three a weekend, so it’s just the way the products of this car and the way the setups are and just being aggressive there. It’s tough, but hopefully, our guys have it fine-tuned, and we can keep all the air in the tires.”

“Not Seen That Kind of Strength” – NASCAR Insider Slams Chase Elliott and Hendrick Motorsports for Lackluster Effort

The final verdict remains uncertain, with no clear solution in sight. As we march closer to the Championship 4 race, the question lingers: Can Goodyear bounce back from this challenge and provide the reliability needed for a championship run?