New Option Tire Strategy at Richmond Raceway
This Sunday's Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway introduces a new option tire strategy, potentially giving teams a racing edge.
At 6 p.m. ET, this Sunday’s Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway will put a new twist in the playbook of NASCAR strategy: the option tire. As preparations continue for teams ahead of the race that will air on USA and the NBC Sports App, they will be spoilt for choice with a new tyre selection that will potentially hand them an edge in racing. The softer and faster option will likely give drivers more grip, a disadvantage in strategy to consider. The move comes at a time when teams have just four races to qualify for the Cup Series Playoffs and promises to escalate racing strategy. The favorite to win is Denny Hamlin, who will be racing on his home track.
He is projected to triumph by a narrow margin against his Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Christopher Bell and Martin Trues Jr. Joe Gibbs Racing has dominated races at Richmond, winning the top spot on 19 occasions in the last few years. Although the trio is all projected to finish in the top 15, Trues has been inconsistent this season and is yet to win a race. The Cook Out 400 promises to be an intriguing event in the run-up to the Playoffs.
