The 2025 Phoenix race has led NASCAR insiders to praise Goodyear’s option tires as a positive step for the future of racing. On the “Door Bumper Clear” podcast, NASCAR veterans Freddie Kraft and Tommy Baldwin applauded the tires, emphasizing that Goodyear is moving in the right direction.
Last year, Goodyear introduced two tire choices for NASCAR drivers: a softer option tire with more short-term grip but less durability and a harder prime tire designed for longer-lasting performance.
The option tire was used in the recently concluded NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway, and both fans and insiders hailed its impact on the race. Drivers like Ryan Preece and Joey Logano used the option tires to gain track position and move through the field.
NASCAR Insiders Praise Goodyear’s Option Tires
Discussing the success of the tires on the podcast, Kraft said, “Probably the best Phoenix race in the history of the racetrack, I would say. It is amazing what two different tires do.”
Baldwin responded, “It is amazing what a tire does. I mean, they (Goodyear) need to keep going, man. They need to keep working on this tire at all these racetracks, even Daytona.
“I’m sorry, it’s what is gonna make or break us. I mean, we need to keep working on these tires. And I know they are, but I can’t stress enough that’s what makes the best racing. It’s the tires, and yesterday proved it.”
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The new option tires lasted about 40 to 50 laps before drivers began to lose performance, improving the on-track competition.
The NASCAR Cup Series traveled to Phoenix Raceway last weekend for its first oval race of the 2025 season. Although Christopher Bell won his third straight race of 2025, the biggest takeaway from the event has been the performance and success of Goodyear’s option tires.
Mark Keto, NASCAR’s Goodyear project manager, said, “Everything went according to plan at Phoenix, and the option tire worked very well. It gave teams a chance to vary their strategies as to when to use them and maximize their effectiveness to gain track position over teams that were out on the prime tires.
“Teams were also able to manage their options once they got track position and make them live longer into a run. Overall, we were very happy with the balance and strategy of the prime/option tire setup and how it added to the racing all day.”
As NASCAR continues exploring these tires, they are likely to become a standard at more racetracks. They also deliver more excitement for fans.