Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin battle at Bristol.
Since the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway went back to the concrete surface, there has been a myriad of dynamics that played a factor in the results. What will Sunday’s Cup Series race offer this time?
Two years ago, the first year back on the concrete, tire wear was a huge factor in the race. Tires kept coming apart as cool weather did not allow rubber to be put on the surface. Drivers were getting 50 laps out of their tires. That led to NASCAR issuing more tires to teams and some incredible racing. Fans were thrilled with the outcome.
Goodyear came back last season with a new tire for Bristol. Teams were still concerned about tire wear. Shortly after the race began, everyone realized tire wear would not be an issue. With warmer weather and a different tire, rubber was easily put onto the surface. But that also came with a price. The racing was a bit dull. Kyle Larson dominated the race leading 411 of the 500 laps. There were only 4 lead changes and just 3 cautions, two were for stage breaks. Fans were disappointed.
The question is what will this year’s Food City 500 offer? NASCAR and Goodyear conducted a tire test in November at Bristol. The goal was to produce a tire with some wear but without the calamity of the ’24 race. Goodyear is bringing a new tire to Bristol.
Ryan Preece was one of the drivers that tested in November and felt optimistic, at that time, Goodyear was heading in the right direction with the tire for Bristol.
There will be two other factors at play. One is the temperature is expected to be near 80 degrees for the race. The Goodyear test was conducted nearly 40 degrees cooler. Two, the cars will have the new 750 horsepower package – more power and less downforce. These factors should greatly factor into tire wear on the high banks of Bristol where there is tremendous load on the tires. The Goodyear test did include the 750 horsepower package.
One other possible development for the race is a wheel force test held a couple of weeks ago at Bristol. Cup drivers are prohibited from participating in wheel force tests. Chevrolet had Hendrick Motorsports participate who selected Justin Allgaier to be their driver. Allgaier has been filling in for Alex Bowman in the #48 car for Hendrick. Could this give HMS an advantage on Sunday? Time will tell.
Kyle Larson would be the favorite regardless of any last minute testing by Hendrick. Larson has won 2 of the last 3 Cup races at Bristol. Denny Hamlin won two in a row prior to Larson’s streak. Outside of Larson, the Toyotas have been strong at Bristol. It should be a compelling race.
