NASCAR’s Moran Reveals Why Cup Teams Push Tires Too Hard

Cup Series managing director Brad Moran explained the tire failures that occurred during practice at Kansas Speedway, highlighting how teams sometimes push their cars beyond safe limits. During the session on May 13, 2025, multiple teams experienced right-rear tire blowouts, raising concerns about the tires, track surface, or car setups.

Moran pointed out that while the tires undergo rigorous testing, teams often make aggressive changes in practice to find the best speed on the one-and-a-half-mile oval. Teams at Kansas Speedway were searching for extra grip and speed, which led some to run lower tire pressures and more aggressive camber angles in the right-rear tires.

These adjustments can improve performance but also increase tire stress and the risk of failure. Moran noted, “Sometimes teams go a little too far, and when they push the limits, you see these types of situations.”

Goodyear, NASCAR’s exclusive tire supplier, provides recommended settings for pressure and camber, but teams can adjust within a small range to fine-tune their cars for each track. Kansas Speedway’s high speeds and abrasive surface make it one of the more challenging venues for tire management.

During Saturday’s practice, several cars showed visible tire damage, prompting NASCAR officials and Goodyear engineers to investigate. After reviewing tire data and consulting teams, the consensus was that most issues stemmed from setups beyond safety margins—such as running below Goodyear’s minimum recommended air pressures or using excessive camber for the track’s demands.

No injuries were reported from the tire failures, but several drivers had their practice runs cut short. A notable incident involved a top contender spinning out in Turn 2 following a tire failure, which forced the crew to prepare a backup car for Sunday’s race.

Goodyear sent engineers to collaborate with NASCAR’s technical staff to examine the failed tires and collect data on air pressure, temperatures, and wear patterns. This information will help update team guidelines and enhance safety in the future. For more details on tire engineering and safety standards, refer to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) technical resources.

Moran emphasized that Goodyear’s tires are continually evaluated after every race and practice session, with ongoing communication among teams, NASCAR, and Goodyear. He urged teams to stay within recommended ranges and balance speed with reliability.

“We want to see competitive racing,” Moran said, “but safety for our drivers is always paramount.” For further insights into motorsport safety protocols, visit the FIA’s official safety guidelines.

Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series event at Kansas remains on schedule, with teams expected to adjust setups to prevent further failures. NASCAR officials will continue to monitor tire performance closely and provide updates if conditions evolve throughout the weekend.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.