World Cup teams surprised by tire wear seek help from NASCAR

World Cup teams surprised by tire wear seek help from NASCAR

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Some World Cup drivers expect NASCAR to give teams an extra set of tires and add a break in the final stage of Sunday’s dirt race in Bristol, after excessive wear and tear on Friday’s practice.

“In Eldora, we ran more than 100 laps with a pair of tires,” said Chase Briscoe of truck racing on the ground. “I didn’t think that tires would be a concern. It definitely surprised me. “

Said Alex Bowman: “Tire wear is a little worrying.”

Denny Hamlin said he expects NASCAR to make changes to help teams ahead of the series’ first dirt race since 1970.

“I would be surprised if they didn’t change some sort of rule between now and then, give us another set of tires or maybe another warning,” he said. “Otherwise, we use bald tires. We all run on bald tires. You just need to make sure you do it better than everyone else. “

Hamlin said he could feel within three laps that the rear tires had lost grip, but he also said: “I didn’t see where someone just lost control because they had a bald tire. It is the same for everyone. You have to do the best you can. “

The final leg on Sunday is scheduled for 100 laps in the 250 lap race. NASCAR previously changed the format of the race. Teams are not allowed to add fuel or change tires, except during internship intervals. The field will be frozen during the intervals of each stage. Teams will maintain their race order as long as they complete the pit stop within the time designated by NASCAR.

Since teams cannot gain positions on the pit road, they are leaving their pit teams at home. This led to the request for an additional break in the finals.

Kurt Busch explained in a video he posted on social media that “the tires are a little bit fighting excessive wear and tear with a big, heavy race car with a lot of power”.

Briscoe said the track contributed to tire problems.

“It looks like red clay is always more abrasive for any reason,” he said. “I think we probably need to do something. Our car, mainly, looks like after 20 laps and we are already showing chords. You probably need to do something. “

The racing surface came from Tennessee. Steve Swift, senior vice president of operations and development at Speedway Motorsports, led the project. He explained in comments distributed by Bristol Motor Speedway earlier this month how the track decided to use clay.

“There is a lot of science in dirt racing and the type of dirt you run in,” said Swift. “We had to look for different types of land, there is a lot of red clay in the area, but there is good red clay and bad red clay. We talked to many experts, for people who know a lot more about dirt than anyone would ever want to know about dirt.

“We took samples and sent them out to be tested and found the right mix. After finding the right dirt, it was a matter of how to get it in place in a timely manner. We found enough to cover the track and have a great running surface. “

Rudy Fugle, William Byron’s team leader, also wants an extra set of tires and a break in the final stage.

“I definitely think that 100 laps is a stretch (in a set of tires) now, unfortunately, the way the track is,” said Fugle. “It can get better, but it can be the same or worse.”

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