Tyler Reddick spins in front of the field, causes multi-car stack up at Bristol

After a William Byron caution for debris, Tyler Reddick stayed out for track position, and he probably should have taken new tires. Reddick was unable to control his grip level on the track and spun out from the front of the NASCAR field.

Tyler Reddick gambled that his tires with 20 laps or so could go again on the restart just fine. Well, they could not. This resin compound on the bottom lane combined with the tire compound they have is causing “marbles,” little bits of rubber, to build up on the track.

When the tires hit those marbles, they pick them up and it takes their grip level away almost completely. This wreck collected Corey LaJoie and others as Reddick spun around.

Things can get away from you fast on the high banks of Bristol. #NASCAR https://t.co/evuNxwpw7d pic.twitter.com/wp9L4CU2pL

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) March 17, 2024

This race is wild so far and we haven’t even gotten 100 laps in. Drivers are taking the lead from each other, racing side-by-side, and there have been multiple stops for tires. These teams are going to run out of rubber before we get to the end at this rate.

Denny Hamlin has led, Josh Berry has led, Bubba Wallace has even led. This is going to be an absolute gem of a race if it keeps going the way it has been. It might get to the point where NASCAR has to bring out more tires just so we can complete this race.

Tyler Reddick first victim of Bristol tire wear

Drivers are reporting all kinds of tire issues early. Tyler Reddick was a bit of a guinea pig for all of it. The thing the field learned is that fresh tires are king today. There is no point in forgoing good rubber for track position because you can’t hold onto it.

If there was a race that could bring back the excitement of the Spring date at Bristol, then it has to be this one. We’ve seen all kinds of action early on and there are so many more laps to go. Leaders are burning up tires quickly and finding themselves falling back soon after.

Qualifying told us that this track was going to be tricky. However, drivers chalked it up to the marbles being blown onto the resin and causing traction issues. Well, there is no denying it now, this track is eating up these tires and causing issues.

Pit stops are going to be crucial, tires are going to decide who wins this race. We just might see the scuffs brought out for a few drivers late and see if they can hold their wheel straight enough to get to the end. Buckle up folks, this is going to be a good one.