Goodyear’s innovative tires set to transform Talladega Race dynamics

Talladega, AL – As the NASCAR Cup Series gears up for the highly anticipated Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, all eyes are on Goodyear’s latest tire innovation. The tire giant has introduced its new Eagle 18-inch Superspeedway Radials, specifically designed to meet the unique demands of Talladega’s high-speed, high-stakes environment.

These new tires, coded D-5142 for the left side and D-5218 for the right, are engineered to optimize both performance and safety. With recommended inflation levels of 28 psi for the left tires and 52 psi for the right front, these specifications aim to ensure stability and durability on the track. The left-side tire circumference measures 2,274 mm (89.53 inches), while the right side is slightly larger at 2,279 mm (89.72 inches).

Stu Grant, Goodyear’s general manager of global race tires, highlighted the strategic importance of tire management at Talladega. “Tire wear has increased over the past several years, but we will still see a lot of tire strategy this weekend. Teams will be able to go with some two-tire and fuel-only pit stops, depending on the situation,” Grant explained. “The main thing teams will try to do on superspeedways like Talladega is stay lined up with teammates in order to best work together in the draft.”

Each team will have access to seven sets of these new tires for the race, including one set for qualifying. This setup is expected to play a crucial role in the race dynamics, as teams navigate the 2.66-mile oval for 188 laps, totaling 500 miles.

In addition to the Cup Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series will also see action at Talladega, with teams using Goodyear Eagle 15-inch Superspeedway Radials. These tires, coded D-6102 for the left side and D-6126 for the right, come with their own set of specifications tailored to the demands of the Xfinity Series race.

As the race weekend approaches, the performance of Goodyear’s new tire setups will be closely monitored. The innovations introduced this year are expected to enhance the overall racing experience, providing drivers with the reliability and performance needed to tackle one of NASCAR’s most challenging tracks.