Denny Hamlin Explains NASCAR Rain Tires

NASCAR held a 30-minute meeting with drivers before Sunday’s Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway, and among the topics discussed: wet tires.

NASCAR brought Goodyear rain tires to New Hampshire last weekend and ordered all teams to use them for the remaining 82 laps after the two-hour, 15-minute delay due to rain. Denny Hamlin gave Bob Pockrass an overview of FOX Sports of how NASCAR explained the rain tire protocol, saying “there is always room for improvement.”

NASCAR held about a 30-minute meeting with drivers (it holds one every two or three weeks) in Nashville. Topics covered included tires, wet tire procedures, and the possible use of the “optional” North Wilkesboro (softer) tire at Richmond. Denny Hamlin’s thoughts: pic.twitter.com/aKhh2SkJAy

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 30, 2024

“The only thing I can say is they explained to us why they made these decisions and why they are trying to make it easier for themselves,” Hamlin said. “If you make a big mistake, which I think is a very valid mistake, you kind of find yourself set back and you’re less hesitant to take those risks again. So I was happy with everything they explained to me and definitely there’s always room for improvement, but they try to use all the facts they have to make the right decision. »

“I mentioned on the (Actions Detrimental) podcast that I thought they did a really good job of not allowing the cars to take fuel. That was the only thing that was maybe questionable. I like where they are at and we’re definitely going to continue to improve as a team with that.

Denny Hamlin: New Hampshire was ‘treacherous’ with wet tires

Well before racing resumed, it looked like NASCAR had a window to squeeze in a few laps with rain falling lightly on the track. Instead, NASCAR moved the field back to pit lane and red-flagged the race in anticipation of more severe weather conditions.

When racing resumed, it was “dangerous,” Hamlin said on his podcast this week.

“Because we still don’t want to run in the rain,” Hamlin said. “Even though they’re called rain tires, they’re actually wet tires, which is not as sexy of a name. Wet weather — I’m telling you, it would be too dangerous to run on that track. Before we started the race, we had two cars that skidded under a yellow flag before we even got going. I just think when we got going, it was probably the right time. But it was treacherous, I’m telling you, for five or six laps before the car got hot enough to start creating dry spots.”