NASCAR is making another attempt to refine its short-track package, hoping to add excitement to upcoming races, especially at Martinsville Speedway. This comes on the heels of a somewhat predictable Bristol race dominated by Kyle Larson, who led 462 of the 500 laps, with only eight lead changes. Now, as NASCAR approaches its shortest track, it is introducing a new left-side tire compound, which Goodyear touts as the softest yet. The right-side tire remains the same as the one used at North Wilkesboro and Richmond. NASCAR anticipates this new setup to challenge teams, though veteran NASCAR commentator Steve Letarte warns fans not to expect too much.
NASCAR’s goal with this softer tire compound is to facilitate more passing by increasing tire wear, which ideally leads to more strategy on track as teams weigh speed against durability. Goodyear’s racing director, Greg Stucker, expressed optimism about the new tire setup following successful testing in August, viewing it as a progressive step for the short-track package. However, NASCAR remains uncertain of the actual results until race day. NASCAR Cup Series Managing Director Brad Moran acknowledged this uncertainty, stating that while they hope for engaging racing, they won’t truly know the impact until the race unfolds.
Steve Letarte, a former Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) crew chief, is skeptical about the new tires’ potential to significantly alter racing dynamics. He believes that teams and drivers are adept at adjusting to such challenges. On his Dirty Mo Media podcast, Letarte pointed out that teams have consistently adapted to various tire conditions throughout the season, often surpassing expectations. He commended the engineers and drivers, saying they can “feel the tire” and will likely adapt quickly to this new compound. According to Letarte, the race will resemble a traditional short-track showdown, where regular short-track contenders like Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin may dominate.
Martinsville holds special significance for drivers like Denny Hamlin, who has five career wins at the track, more than any other active driver. However, this time, Hamlin finds himself in the elimination zone, trailing by 18 points, making this race even more critical for his championship aspirations. Letarte suggests that Hamlin’s skill in managing tire wear on restarts and throughout the race gives him an edge at Martinsville.
Although Hamlin’s experience at Martinsville is substantial, he remains cautiously optimistic, hoping the softer tire will deliver the wear needed to boost passing opportunities. On his podcast, Actions Detrimental, Hamlin said he’s hoping for noticeable tire falloff, allowing drivers to “see some comers and goers.” However, he also noted that he hasn’t won at Martinsville in the next-gen car, with his last victory there in 2015, though he’s performed well at other short tracks this season.
With intense competition at Martinsville and only limited spots in the championship, it will be a nail-biting finish. Do you think Hamlin or another driver will advance to the Championship 4? Share your predictions in the comments.
