Have NASCARs new tire specifications reduced the importance of pit strategy and fuel economy?
Through the first five races of the season, the answer to that question appeared to be yes. With tires that wear down more quickly than in recent years, cars with four fresh tires have been significantly faster than cars with worn tires. The old-school idea of changing four tires during every pit stop appeared to be back in fashion, instead of just changing two tires or staying on the track and trying to win on fuel economy. But then came last Sunday’s race at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway. Although Goodyear brought a tire that was supposed to be much “softer” (prone to wear down) than its recent Bristol tires, Kurt Busch decided — without consulting crew chief Jimmy Fennig, apparently — to stay out on old tires. The gamble worked, as none of the cars with fresher tires could pass Busch, and he won the race. Ryan Newman’s crew chief, Matt Borland, notes that Bristol’s concrete surface is easier on tires than most other tracks. But after winning so many races on pit strategy and fuel m
