NASCAR teams will use different types of tires for next month's All-Star Race, NASCAR announced, revealing the format for the May 19 race at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
This movement is tailored to what the driver wants. NASCAR asked for tire changes to enhance racing on short tracks.
NASCAR has three tire options for teams.
The Prime tires are the baseline tires used during tire testing at North Wilkesboro Speedway last month. The optional tires are slick tires that use the same rubber as rain tires. This tire is softer, has more grip, and wears out faster.
Finally, there are wet weather tires, which are only used when the road surface is wet.
Prime tires have standard yellow Goodyear and Eagle lettering. Optional tires are marked in red. Wet weather tires have white lettering.
“At the North Wilkesboro test, we saw a significant drop in lap times with the option tires compared to the prime tires,” Goodyear racing director Greg Stacker said in a statement. “We have been working very hard on short track tire packages, but wanted to evaluate something more aggressive, and the all-star race format with no points setting is the perfect opportunity to do that. ”
William Byron, Ty Gibbs and Joey Logano participated in the North Wilkesboro tire test in March.
Prime tires are mandatory for qualifying sessions. Prime and option tires are available for practice sessions, heat races, and the All-Star Open. In the All-Star Race, teams must start on optional tires.
“I've heard some rumors floating around a little bit about trying some different compounds,” Josh Berry told media members before NASCAR announced the format. “I think they're all great ideas. I think (NASCAR) needs to swing at it.
“They need to get on the other side and see if they can learn something and see if it makes a difference. I think those are all things that we definitely have to do sooner or later. We need to do that. I think they need to be proactive and I think the All-Star Race is a good opportunity to do that.”
All-Star weekend begins Friday, May 17th. A practice session will be held in which all All-Stars and convertibles will participate at the same time. After practice, a public qualifying round will be held.
After Tyler Reddick's win at Talladega on Sunday, the 23XI Racing co-owner celebrated with his team.
The Pit Crew Challenge returns in the All-Star Qualifier. All-Star A driver who participated in his race completes his one lap at speed. A pit stop is then made on the second lap to allow the crew to stop four tires. Drivers then resume racing to the checkered flag.
The fastest time secures pole position for Heat Race 1 and the All-Star Race.
The race weekend will continue until Saturday, May 18th, with two 60-lap heat races. Every lap counts and the team must make his 4-tire pit stop during the heat race. Heat Race 1 determines the inside row starting order for the All-Star Race. Heat Race 2 will determine the outside row starting order.
Two races will be held on Sunday, May 19th. All drivers who do not qualify for the All-Star Race will participate in the All-Star Open. A caution came out on the 50th lap, forcing the drivers to complete 100 laps, but a four-tire pit stop was mandatory.
The top two players from the All-Star Open will compete in the All-Star Race along with the winner of the fan vote. Fans can vote here.
The All-Star Race will consist of 200 laps, with overtime rules in place if necessary. A caution was issued on the 100th lap, requiring a four-tire pit stop. A caution comes out again on the 150th lap.
NASCAR Cup teams completed three draft-style races this season.
The All-Star field is open to the 2023 and 2024 points race winners, past All-Star race winners, past NASCAR Cup champions, top two All-Star Open finishers, and NASCAR fan voting winners.
The winner of the All-Star Race wins $1 million.
The drivers who qualified for the All-Star Race are:
AJ Allmendinger
christopher bell
ryan blaney
Chris Busher
Kyle Busch
William Byron
Ross Chastain
chase elliott
Denny Hamlin
brad keselowski
Kyle Larson
Joey Logano
michael mcdowell
tyler reddick
ricky stenhouse jr.
Daniel Suarez
martin truex jr.
Shane Van Gisbergen
