With the only sub-26-second lap time in qualifying, William Byron secured pole position for the upcoming Shriners Children’s 500 in Phoenix. Starting at the front, Byron will have the advantage of setting the pace for the top 10 and influencing race strategy.
With limited soft tire (red) availability and hotter temperatures, Byron and his team don’t have a rigid plan for the race. However, he does know that overtaking won’t be easy at Phoenix Raceway.
William Byron Expects Passing To Be Tough in Phoenix
Before the NASCAR Cup Series drivers hit the track, the Xfinity Series race will have already laid down a lot of rubber. Combined with higher temperatures, this will impact overall tire wear.
Byron believes it will be challenging but not as bad as some previous races. He also pointed out that Phoenix Raceway is aging in a good way. However, he added that passing will still be difficult due to the lack of banking for drivers to lean on.
Turns 1 and 2 provide little help to inside-line drivers, making overtaking even tougher.
“This track is starting to get some really good age to it. It’s still difficult to pass because there’s no banking to lean on, especially in (Turns) 1 and 2. So, if you want to be aggressive, it’s hard to be,” Byron said via Bob Pockrass on X.
William Byron on what he feels most teams will do as far as tire choice today (when to use the option softer tires, which is totally at their discretion) and whether the warmer temperatures and additional Xfinity rubber on the track will impact tire wear. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/1I6UwlCccC
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 9, 2025
With apron starts becoming more common and the track losing grip, Byron expects tire wear to be higher than usual. This could give more conservative drivers an edge, as fresher tires will make it easier to pass those struggling with tire degradation.
Tire strategy will likely play a major role in the 312-lap race. Drivers are expected to save at least one set of reds for as late in the race as possible.
Meanwhile, Kyle Busch has already stated that his team does not have a set tire strategy, a sentiment that may hold true for many teams on the Phoenix grid.
