RFK's Ryan Preece is making waves in the NASCAR world with his bold predictions about the impact of Goodyear's new tire technology. In the 2025 season, Goodyear introduced a right-side tire designed to increase wear and revolutionize race strategies. Preece, a veteran driver, is praising the tire's ability to force teams to make real adjustments during marathon green-flag runs. He highlights how this tire innovation is particularly beneficial for drivers from late models, like himself and Chase Elliott, who are accustomed to managing tire wear during aggressive hauls.
The new tire compounds are shifting the focus from tire conservation to unleashing aggressive restarts. Preece's success at Las Vegas, where he charged from 20th to 9th in the final laps, showcases the potential of this strategy. He attributes his strong performance to the tire's ability to handle long runs and the team's long-run hustle, which echoes his late-model roots. Preece's late charge at Las Vegas also highlights the importance of tire strategy in overcoming setbacks and carving through the pack.
However, not everyone is convinced. Some may argue that the new tire technology is too aggressive and could lead to unpredictable results. Others might question whether the tire's increased wear is sustainable over the long haul. The debate over the tire's impact on race tactics is sure to spark discussion