Before 2019, NASCAR enforced the controversial ‘arm’s length’ rule on pit road, determining whether a tire was uncontrolled and penalizing teams accordingly. This rule faced significant opposition, with Denny Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing leading the charge to get it changed. Their efforts paid off, and the rule was modified in 2019.
However, while NASCAR addressed pit road tire infractions, there are still no specific regulations for tire-related incidents on the track. Tire selection plays a crucial role in determining race outcomes, and no one knows this better than Kyle Busch, who lost a potential victory at COTA due to excessive tire wear in the closing laps.
Recently, NASCAR has faced criticism over tire management, with drivers like Denny Hamlin questioning Goodyear’s choices. Hamlin, who previously pushed for rule changes in 2019, is now advocating for better tire wear and falloff to promote more strategic racing. The debate continues, as many argue that improved tire degradation could add another layer of skill and excitement to the sport.
Goodyear’s Tire Choices Stir Debate in NASCAR
As the NASCAR field heads to Phoenix, Denny Hamlin is optimistic about the impact of the softer option tire on competition. “This weekend at Phoenix, we will have that same really, really soft tire,” Hamlin explained, comparing it to the Richmond option tire, which is known for creating tire falloff. While it’s not as soft as the Martinsville tire, its ability to wear down over a run could lead to more “comers and goers,” which is especially important at a track like Phoenix, where passing is notoriously difficult.
Phoenix Raceway has faced criticism due to its flat design and heavy reliance on aerodynamics, making overtaking a challenge. Hamlin acknowledged these concerns, noting, “It’s hard to pass, and that race has just gotten so much criticism.” The main issue stems from how cars get trapped in each other’s aerodynamic wake. However, with a softer tire that promotes mechanical grip, Hamlin believes this problem could be mitigated. “The wake doesn’t matter as much when you have a tire advantage,” he pointed out.
Beyond Phoenix, Hamlin hopes Goodyear will introduce similar tires to mile-and-a-half tracks, which often suffer from aerodynamic challenges. “Can we start to implement that at some other tracks, some mile-and-a-halfs to help with some of the aerodynamic deficiencies that we have there?” he asked. If successful, this change could increase passing opportunities and improve racing on tracks where aerodynamics typically play a dominant role.
Hamlin has long been an advocate for increased tire falloff. Reflecting on past frustrations, he recalled, “When the drivers were begging for ‘please just give us some falloff, that’s how we pass.’” He sees the shift toward softer tires as a step in the right direction. “Now the setup is a factor, the driver is a factor, and how you manage it—it’s just putting on fantastic racing right now,” he added.
While Hamlin remains cautiously optimistic, the Phoenix race could serve as a proving ground for future tire strategies. If Goodyear’s softer tire delivers better racing, it could pave the way for similar changes at other tracks, making tire management an even more critical element of NASCAR strategy. Fans and drivers alike will be watching closely to see how it all unfolds.
Denny Hamlin Seeks a Comeback at Phoenix After Recent Struggles
Denny Hamlin is looking to turn things around at Phoenix Raceway this weekend after a string of underwhelming performances at the track in recent years. In 2024, he finished 11th in both the championship race and the Shriners Children’s 500, falling short of his usual competitive standard. While he has been a strong contender at Phoenix in the past, his recent results haven’t measured up.
Hamlin’s last victory at Phoenix came in 2019 when he won the Bluegreen Vacations 500, a critical race in the Round of 8 that kept his championship hopes alive. Since that win, however, the track has posed challenges for him, with no victories and only average finishes in the years that followed.
The 2025 season hasn’t been much smoother for Hamlin, as he’s struggled to find consistency. His early results include a disappointing 24th-place finish at Daytona and a 21st at COTA. However, a solid 6th-place run at Atlanta offers a glimmer of hope as he heads into Phoenix. With an unpredictable season unfolding, this race could provide the momentum shift he needs.
One key factor in Hamlin’s performance this weekend will be the introduction of a softer tire option, which could influence race strategy. Will this adjustment help him break his Phoenix slump? Can he deliver a stronger performance for Joe Gibbs Racing? The answers will unfold on Sunday.
