The 2025 Phoenix race has sparked significant discussion among NASCAR fans, particularly due to Christopher Bell’s remarkable achievement of winning three consecutive races. This feat, last accomplished by Kyle Larson in 2021, also made Bell the first driver to secure three straight victories in the Next Gen era. His narrow win over teammate Denny Hamlin by just 0.049 seconds underscored the intense competition and strategic depth of the event.
However, one of the biggest talking points from the race has been the impact of Goodyear’s option tires. Drivers, fans, and analysts have largely agreed that these tires added a new strategic dimension, making the race more exciting and unpredictable. As NASCAR continues to evolve, the role of these tires in shaping future races is becoming increasingly evident.
Phoenix Delivers Excitement Thanks to Option Tires
Freddie Kraft called the 2025 Phoenix race “probably the best Phoenix race in the history of the racetrack,” a significant statement considering past races at the venue have often been criticized for lacking excitement. The introduction of option tires added a fresh strategic element, making the race far more dynamic than in previous years.
Historically, some Phoenix races—such as the 2023 event—were viewed as less engaging due to their predictable nature. The track’s layout, with its low banking and dogleg, has often resulted in races that feel more like a large short track, limiting passing opportunities and overall excitement. However, in 2025, the option tires changed that narrative.
These tires provided additional grip but wore out faster, forcing teams to carefully manage their usage. Joey Logano demonstrated their effectiveness by charging through the field, while Ryan Preece used them to gain crucial positions early on. Crew chief Tommy Baldwin summed up the impact by stating, “It’s amazing what two different tires do.”
Baldwin also stressed the need for continued development of these tires, arguing that they, rather than aerodynamic changes, are key to improving the quality of racing. This aligns with a broader belief in the NASCAR community that tire strategy is crucial to enhancing competition.
Over the years, NASCAR has introduced various aerodynamic packages to improve racing by reducing downforce and increasing driver input. For example, the 2020 package for short tracks and road courses aimed to emphasize handling by using smaller spoilers and splitters. While some drivers, like Joey Logano, supported these changes, others felt they didn’t always deliver the expected level of competition.
With the success of the option tires at Phoenix, there is growing momentum for their continued use. Baldwin’s belief that NASCAR should “keep working on this tire” reflects a broader push to maintain the sport’s competitive appeal by focusing on tire strategy rather than solely relying on aerodynamics.
The Future of Option Tires in NASCAR
The strong performance of the option tire at Phoenix has opened the door for its potential adoption in future races. Some insiders believe it could even become the primary tire for the championship race in November. This would require teams to rethink their strategies, as they would no longer have the ability to switch between different compounds.
Mark Keto, NASCAR Goodyear Project Manager, was pleased with how the option tire performed, stating, “Everything went according to plan… and the Option tire worked very well.” Teams strategically managed tire wear to gain an edge, which added a new layer of competition to the race.
Given the overwhelmingly positive feedback, it is likely that option tires will be introduced at more tracks in the future. Many in the NASCAR community, including Denny Hamlin, have praised the option tire as a “game-changer.” However, not everyone is on board—Christopher Bell has voiced skepticism, calling the option tire a “gimmick.”
As NASCAR continues to balance innovation with consistency, the long-term role of option tires remains a key point of discussion. Their ability to enhance racing strategy and create more exciting events suggests they could become a defining feature of future NASCAR seasons.
