NASCAR exec ‘working to’ allow teams to make wet weather tire decisions themselves

The NASCAR Cup Series prevailed against Mother Nature at New Hampshire Motor Speedway due to the use of wet weather tires, but there were certain parameters in place that some teams hope will change the next time a similar situation arises.

For example, non-competitive pit stops were utilized when changing tires, and teams didn’t have the option of choosing when to change tires, as well as picking which type of tire to put on their car. However, NASCAR Cup Series Managing Director Brad Moran believes we’ll eventually get to that point.

“We would love to give the tires to the teams and let it be their option. That’s where we’re working to get to,” Moran said, via SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. “But we really had very little data points. We’re still learning a lot about these tires every time we put them on and take them off. The teams were all aware of it. We did send out a notice, and I had quite a few meetings with crew chiefs, and everyone understood what our plan is, and how we go start a race, and once it gets going, if it rains, what mode we get into. So the teams did have all of that information available. We would like to get to that one day, but again, we want to make sure this sticks with the sport, and it gives up the opportunity to run in damp conditions.

“So we’re being very cautious and careful with it, and the teams understand why we’re doing that.”

If NASCAR is able to get to the point Moran would like to, that would present a whole different level of strategy when it comes to damp conditions. Whether it’s a road course or an oval, having the option would be a game-changer.

Moreover, Moran’s comments are music to the ears of many teams in NASCAR, including William Byron’s No. 24 group, as crew chief Rudy Fugle actually presented the idea during an appearance on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio following the race

“I fully think that we should be able to, ‘Hey, you spun out,’ you should be able to go get some new tires. ‘Hey, you hurt your tires — your rain tires, trying to come through the field,’ you should be able to come get another set and see if you can make some progress,” Fugle said earlier in the week. “All of that, and then at the very end of the race, you know, a lot of people, I bet half the people would’ve put dry (tires) on, and we could’ve seen what would’ve happened.

“So I definitely think there’s a lot more openness, where the teams and the drivers can be in control, for probably 80% of the decisions that need to be made.”

At the end of the day, the use of wet weather tires is a fresh idea, and something that NASCAR would like to see more of before giving teams some more freedom. Still, if you take Brett Moran at his word, change for the better is coming, it seems.