Goodyear concludes 2-day tire test on new surface at Phoenix

A view of the new surface from the frontstretch down into Turn 1 during
the Goodyear Tire test on Monday at Phoenix International Raceway. Credit: Phoenix International Raceway

Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart drive new track

(PHOENIX, Ariz.) – Five NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers – Jimmie Johnson, Carl Edwards, Tony Stewart, Kurt Busch and Kyle Busch – completed a two-day Goodyear tire test at Phoenix International Raceway on Monday and Tuesday.. The tests ran from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day and provided NASCAR’s official tire manufacturer with data and feedback on PIR’s new racing surface following the Aug. 12 completion of the track’s first major paving project since 1990. The research gathered from the tests will assist Goodyear in selecting a tire for the Kobalt Tools 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at PIR on Nov. 13.

In February, Phoenix International Raceway announced details related to the 47-year old NASCAR facility’s first major track pavement project since 1990. Construction began in March with the removal of the facility’s former racing surface and the subsequent installation of a new race track.

Carl Edwards tested the No. 99 during Monday's test.
Credit: Phoenix International Raceway

Monday and Tuesday’s tests offered all five drivers their first runs on a new surface that included a series of changes implemented to promote side-by-side racing. One such change, the alteration of PIR’s signature back-stretch dog-leg to include banking and elevation variances, improved what Kurt Busch referred to as the “fun factor” at PIR.

“It’s exciting to feel something new like this,” Busch said. “And to have that exhilarating back straightaway … like a roller coaster, you drive up the banking off of Turn 2 and then you drop down. It’s a nice, light feeling when you get up top – a really interesting back straightaway. I’m also glad they kept many of the old, signature characteristics of Phoenix.”

Busch and the rest of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series will compete at PIR on November 13 in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup when the green flag drops for the Kobalt Tools 500 at 1 p.m. local time. Tickets for the Kobalt Tools 500 are available now and start at just $25. For Phoenix International Raceway tickets and information, call 866-408-RACE (7223) or visit PhoenixRaceway.com.