Las Vegas Motor Speedway has long been known as a low-tire wear track in the NASCAR Cup Series. However, in recent years, the aging track surface and a compound change have brought the issue of tire wear more prominently into play. As teams head to Las Vegas for Race No. 33, finding the ideal tire set-up will be crucial for success.
Grip is a key factor at Las Vegas, just like any other track. To add mechanical grip, teams must utilize various tuning tools, while also searching for aerodynamic grip. The goal is to get the rear end of the Next Gen car out of the air and sealed off, ensuring maximum downforce. One strategy teams employ is running lower air pressures in the rear tires.
However, running below Goodyear’s recommended minimum pressures can have consequences. Over-deflection of the sidewalls can occur, leading to the breakdown of tire components and potential air loss. To address this challenge, Goodyear updated the construction of the left- and right-side tires used at Las Vegas last fall, providing teams with more flexibility in their set-up choices.
Greg Stucker, Goodyear’s racing director, emphasizes the importance of tire wear and grip at Las Vegas: “We are finally seeing a little bit of tire wear at Las Vegas over the past several races. While teams need to factor in that, finding grip will be paramount this weekend.” Stucker explains that although the tire updates have opened up the playbook for teams, air pressures and camber settings remain critical in balancing performance with tire life.
Goodyear plays a crucial role in supporting teams with data leading into Las Vegas and continues collaborating with them at the track. As the Goodyear team provides valuable insights, teams must weigh the need for grip against the potential risks of running lower air pressures.
In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, the tire set-up differs from the Cup Series due to using 15-inch bead-diameter tires. While both series race at Las Vegas, they require distinct tire configurations to optimize performance based on their respective car specifications.
As the Las Vegas Motor Speedway race weekend approaches, teams will closely analyze data, consult with Goodyear, and make key tire set-up decisions. Striking the perfect balance between maximizing grip and maintaining tire life will be critical in achieving success on the high-speed and demanding 1.5-mile oval.
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The Short Track Girl
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