For only the second time ever, NASCAR will experiment with multiple tire compounds in a Cup series race. With tire supplier Goodyear bringing two new rubber compounds made for oval tracks, it's not dissimilar to what fans already see in IndyCar with option and primary tires. At a track where passing is notoriously tough, this change could shake up the order all weekend at the Phoenix ‘dogleg’ oval.
Teams will have six sets of the primary tire (yellow lettering), which is a more durable compound that maintains a consistent speed for a longer period of time. Drivers will also have two sets of the option tire (red lettering), which is softer and faster — but wears much more quickly. The expected crossover point between the compounds will be at around the 30-lap mark.
