NASCAR: Exploding Goodyear tires panned by drivers

We predicted that NASCAR’s move to low-profile Goodyear tires would be a mitigated disaster, and indeed they have been.

They have been exploding all year, sending NASCAR Cup drivers crashing into walls at racetracks across the country.

It got so bad at Texas Motor Speedway this past Sunday drivers have had enough.

With 66 laps to go Sunday, Martin Truex Jr. was leading the race, but when he went into turn 3, a right rear tire let go which put him in the outside wall and ended his day prematurely.

Truex was asked about the situation and what he thought about it all. He replied, “I don’t even know what to say, between crappy parts, tires exploding and all the bullshit we’re dealing with, it’s a joke.”

“There’s a lot of people that make a lot of money to do this and get this stuff right,” Truex said. “That’s all I’m going to say about it.”

His JGR teammate Denny Hamlin agreed.

If your thinking that maybe NASCAR will look into someone else for tires, keep dreaming. GY pays them a fat check so they are allowed to gouge the teams each week.

— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) September 26, 2022

Live look @NASCAR every time @goodyear tires blow for absolutely no reason…. pic.twitter.com/OjR9ZMe3yP

— Matthew F (@GVILLETARHEEL) September 26, 2022

But Goodyear is not totally to blame for this year’s NASCAR troubles.  With the introduction of the new Next-Gen car we have seen:

1. Drive train failures at LA Coliseum on 1/4 mile track
2. Wheels started falling off everywhere.
3. Drivers losing control of their car without warning – low profile tires typically brake loose without warning
4. Cars overheating from sand buildup.
5. Excessive/ greatly increased tire failure.
6. Non-accident car fires

Whoever wins the NASCAR championship will be the one who blew their Goodyear tires the least.