Goodyear introducing new tire setup for NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma

The NASCAR Cup Series teams are going to have a new Goodyear tire setup at Sonoma Raceway today and that will be an adjustment for them. Teams are also heading into the weekend without having time on the completely repaved track.

Goodyear has had highs and lows this year. They experienced every emotion at Bristol this season when the tires started to just fall apart after just a 20 lap run. However, I don’t expect that to happen at Sonoma.

There will be nine sets of tires, three for practice, one for qualifying, and six sets for the race. Those six include the qualifying scuffs.

Check out these graphics Goodyear shared before the NASCAR weekend gets going.

Sonoma will introduce a new tire setup for #NASCAR Cup Series teams. Teams will have to take this, and the track repave, into consideration as they strategize for the race. pic.twitter.com/TjMFdIRME3

— Goodyear Racing (@GoodyearRacing) June 7, 2024

Get ready for track records to be set in practice, qualifying, and maybe even in the race. This is going to be a fast race track and that could be good or bad.

Sonoma Raceway has also added a concrete wall on the inside of Turn 11 in favor of a tire barrier. Drivers would wreck into those tires and cause cautions, not to mention cutting the course limits a bit.

With plenty of tires, a new race track, and great weather – it will be another beautiful Sonoma race weekend. Does that translate to the quality of racing? That remains to be seen.

Goodyear and NASCAR searching for the formula

Thank goodness that Bristol happened this year. That was the only way to show Goodyear and NASCAR how dramatic the teams wanted falloff to be, as well as the fans. Was it extreme that day? Yeah, but teams admitted they could easily double the laps with more time to prepare.

Since then, there have been efforts made. The two tire options at North Wilkesboro were a great step in the right direction. While the two options eventually equaled out after a long run, it was still a great effort to make something new and different.

One thing that has become very clear is, that weather plays a massive part in how a tire reacts and wears away. Heat plays a major factor in how a tire wears away and whether or not it gets worn into the track or shredded up like cheese.

If NASCAR and Goodyear can come up with a tire that is relatively stable regardless of temperature, it would be great. As long as it falls off. Lap time differential is what makes racing great. Tires are a big part of that.