NASCAR clarifies tire rule policy

Goodyear Tires

NASCAR has clarified its policy for teams that miss qualifying [on Friday] at Atlanta Motor Speedway because of inspection problems.

After initially telling teams they would be required to start on scuffed tires, NASCAR now will allow teams that miss qualifying to start Sunday's 500-mile race on new tires (commonly referred to as "stickers" because the Goodyear sticker hasn't been scuffed off yet).

The QuikTrip Folds of Honor 500 will be the last race run on the 1.54-mile oval before a repaving project that will begin in late March. The surface has been in place for nearly 20 years, making fresh tires extremely advantageous for turning fast laps on the abrasive track. NASCAR made the change after receiving feedback from crew chiefs during a monthly competition conference call Tuesday. NBC Sports