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NASCAR Drivers Face Tire Wear Challenges at COTA
Tire management and strategy could be the key factors at the Circuit of the Americas race.
Mar. 3, 2026 at 12:47am
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NASCAR drivers are facing intense pressure under the series' new rules, as tire wear and strategy are shaping up to be the defining factors at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) race. Drivers who burn through their tires early will pay a heavy price late in the race, with the shift to a 750-horsepower package making tire conservation even more crucial. Experienced drivers like Denny Hamlin and Shane van Gisbergen have shown the ability to manage tires, but others like Riley Herbst admit they have little experience at this level, which could cost them dearly on race day.
Why it matters
COTA's demanding conditions are pushing NASCAR drivers to their limits, as the new rules and tire compounds create a challenging environment that requires precise tire management. Drivers who can master this skill will have a significant advantage, while those who struggle could see their race strategies fall apart.
The details
The shift to a 750-horsepower package has made tire wear a critical factor at COTA, with drivers who are already rough on their tires facing an even greater challenge. AJ Allmendinger noted that the horsepower gap is not massive, but the bigger issue is that drivers who burn through their rear tires will struggle even more. Shane van Gisbergen has shown an ability to conserve tires, winning five straight road-course races, while Denny Hamlin has demonstrated similar discipline on ovals. However, not every driver has that background, with Riley Herbst openly admitting he has little experience managing tires at this level.
- The Circuit of the Americas race is taking place this weekend.
The players
AJ Allmendinger
A NASCAR driver who has commented on the tire wear challenges at COTA.
Shane van Gisbergen
A NASCAR driver who has shown an ability to conserve tires, winning five straight road-course races.
Denny Hamlin
A NASCAR driver who has demonstrated discipline in managing tire wear on ovals.
Riley Herbst
A NASCAR driver who has admitted to having little experience managing tires at this level.
What they’re saying
“But I definitely think if you're burning the rear tires off, it's going to make it worse, or you're just going to have to really be gentle with the throttle.”
— AJ Allmendinger
“It is a little different. You used to not really worry about tires wearing out on the road courses, and NASCAR and Goodyear are making a really good push to get us softer tires. We're seeing multi-second falloff.”
— Denny Hamlin
“Think of the tire as a battery, Stewart told him. Every slide, every slip chips away at what is left. Once the battery is dead, it is not coming back.”
— Chase Briscoe
What’s next
The Circuit of the Americas race will take place this weekend, where drivers will face the intense challenge of managing their tires to achieve success.
The takeaway
The new rules and tire compounds in NASCAR have made tire management a critical factor at the Circuit of the Americas race, with experienced drivers who can conserve their tires having a significant advantage over those who struggle with this aspect of the competition.
