Goodyear unveils new tire configuration for Michigan Cup Series

Goodyear is making a bold move for the FireKeepers Casino 400. To tackle the intense stress of the 2-mile oval at Michigan, they are introducing a brand new right-side tire setup specifically for the NASCAR Cup Series. It is a necessary evolution for one of the fastest circuits on the calendar, where that smooth, high-speed surface asks everything of the rubber.

While the right side is seeing this update, the left-side tire remains consistent with the setup used previously at Nashville. Justin Fantozzi, Goodyear’s Director of Racing for the Americas, explained that the goal is to withstand those extreme loads while giving the teams more flexibility with their race strategy. Meanwhile, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will stick to a familiar tire package, mirroring the setup used at Texas Motor Speedway.

Teams have been allocated 8 total sets for the Cup Series—6 for the race, plus 1 each for qualifying and practice. The Craftsman Truck Series gets 5 total sets, with 3 designated for the race. It is all about endurance on these high-speed loops, and with 15-inch tires featuring inner liners, the machines should have the support they need to handle the Irish Hills.