Drivers, Crew Chiefs Responsible for Tire Issues at Phoenix

Set-up and aggressive driving tactics increase risk of tire failures

Mar. 11, 2026 at 5:33pm

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Crew chiefs and drivers, not just tire manufacturers, are largely responsible for the tire issues seen during the recent Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway. Factors like air pressure, camber settings, and aggressive driving tactics that push the limits of the tires all contribute to the increased risk of tire failures, according to NASCAR experts.

Why it matters

This story highlights the complex balance between performance and reliability that teams must navigate when setting up their cars. While fans may be quick to blame the tire manufacturer, the teams themselves play a major role in managing the risks and maximizing the performance of the tires.

The details

Crew chiefs like Adam Stevens of Joe Gibbs Racing and Rudy Fugle of Hendrick Motorsports explained that teams intentionally run the tires at the edge of their capabilities, using lower air pressures and higher camber settings to maximize grip. However, this also increases the risk of tire failures, especially when drivers are aggressive in their driving, such as cutting across the apron on restarts. Longtime crew chief Todd Gordon also noted that a driver's choice of racing line can impact tire life as well.

  • The Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway took place on Sunday, March 10, 2026.

The players

Adam Stevens

Crew chief for the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 team.

Rudy Fugle

Crew chief for the Hendrick Motorsports No. 24 team.

Todd Gordon

Longtime NASCAR crew chief and current broadcast analyst.

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What they’re saying

“It's so tough. It's just a quirk of our sport that the fans don't understand. We just don't know the load, air pressure and camber (combination) with certainty where we're going to have a problem.”

— Adam Stevens, Crew chief, Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 team

“The reason we want to go lower is -- for most of the time, especially with this really short sidewall -- as the driver leans the car into the corner, that sidewall has a ton of flex, and gives the driver a ton of feel before he goes from spinning out to tight.”

— Rudy Fugle, Crew chief, Hendrick Motorsports No. 24 team

“At old Auto Club, the fast way around was you turned down across the apron in 3 and 4, and transition back up. I had a conversation with Joey (Logano) and told him that I could go lower (on air pressure) if you commit to me that you're not going to pass anyone on the backstretch for four laps … and where drivers choose to race can impact tire life as well.”

— Todd Gordon, Longtime NASCAR crew chief and broadcast analyst

The takeaway

This story highlights the complex relationship between teams, drivers, and tire manufacturers in NASCAR. While fans may be quick to blame the tires, the teams themselves play a major role in managing the risks and maximizing the performance of the tires through their setup choices and driving tactics. This delicate balance is a key part of the sport that even the experts struggle to fully understand.