For the first time in NASCAR Cup Series history, drivers and teams will have multiple tire options in a points-paying race. This weekend’s Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway will feature two Goodyear tire choices: the “Prime” tire, with a harder rubber compound for durability, and the “Option” tire, with a softer compound for short-term grip and speed. The Prime tire will have yellow sidewall lettering, while the Option tire will be marked with red lettering.
Teams will receive six sets of Prime tires and two sets of Option tires for the race, including one Prime set from qualifying. NASCAR will not mandate when teams use their sets, but all four tires must match at all times. An extended practice session will allow teams to test one set of each tire type during a 45-minute stint.
The limited availability of Option tires over 400 laps will emphasize strategic use. Goodyear’s Director of Racing, Greg Stucker, noted that the Option tire is expected to provide a significant lap time gain over the Prime tire, but with greater fall-off, making tire management crucial.
Drivers and crew chiefs will aim to maximize this new competition element, especially those still seeking to secure a Playoff spot. Last year’s Cook Out 400 winner, Chris Buescher, is among those looking to capitalize on the new tire options.
With only four races remaining in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series regular season, the competition is heating up. Richmond Raceway, the last short track of the regular season, will host the Cook Out 400 on August 11. Following Richmond, the series will head to Michigan International Speedway, Daytona International Speedway, and Darlington Raceway.
Richmond’s 0.75-mile short track will challenge drivers with 400 miles of racing. Earlier this season, Denny Hamlin of Joe Gibbs Racing secured his fifth career Cup Series win at Richmond, the second-most among active drivers.
Next, the series moves to Michigan International Speedway for another 400 miles on the high-speed, multi-groove, 2-mile track. Chris Buescher of RFK Racing, last year’s winner at Michigan, is still seeking his first Cup victory of 2024.
The Cup Series will then return to the 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway for the annual summer 400-miler. Last season, RFK Racing achieved a 1-2 finish at Daytona, with Chris Buescher winning and teammate Brad Keselowski following.
The regular season will conclude at Darlington Raceway with the Southern 500, a ‘Crown Jewel’ event that will determine the Playoff field. The egg-shaped, 1.366-mile track will be the final test for drivers aiming to secure their spot in the 16-driver Playoff field.
As the season winds down, drivers and teams will be focused on strategy, tire management, and securing crucial points to make the Playoffs. The introduction of multiple tire options at Richmond adds an exciting new dimension to the competition, promising an action-packed race weekend.
Clinch stats per NASCAR:
Already Clinched
The following seven drivers have clinched a spot in the 16-driver postseason field: Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, Tyler Reddick, Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, William Byron, Christopher Bell.
Can Clinch Via Previous Wins
The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, Tyler Reddick, Denny Hamlin, Ryan Blaney, William Byron, Christopher Bell, Brad Keselowski, Alex Bowman, Joey Logano, Daniel Suarez or Austin Cindric:
- Brad Keselowski: Would clinch regardless of finish
- Alex Bowman: Would clinch regardless of finish
- Joey Logano: Would clinch regardless of finish
- Daniel Suarez: Would clinch regardless of finish
- Austin Cindric: Would clinch regardless of finish
The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Martin Truex Jr., Ty Gibbs, Chris Buescher, Ross Chastain, Bubba Wallace or Chase Briscoe:
- Brad Keselowski: Would clinch with 44 points
- Alex Bowman: Would clinch with 53 points
The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Kyle Busch:
- Brad Keselowski: Would clinch with 41 points
- Alex Bowman: Would clinch with 50 points
The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Todd Gilliland:
- Brad Keselowski: Would clinch with 38 points
- Alex Bowman: Would clinch with 48 points
The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Michael McDowell:
- Brad Keselowski: Would clinch with 15 points
- Alex Bowman: Would clinch with 24 points
The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Josh Berry:
- Brad Keselowski: Would clinch regardless of finish
- Alex Bowman: Would clinch with 8 points
The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Noah Gragson or Carson Hocevar:
- Brad Keselowski: Would clinch regardless of finish
- Alex Bowman: Would clinch with 3 points
The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Rickey Stenhouse Jr.:
- Brad Keselowski: Would clinch regardless of finish
- Alex Bowman: Would clinch regardless of finish
The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Ryan Preece:
- Brad Keselowski: Would clinch regardless of finish
- Alex Bowman: Would clinch regardless of finish
- Joey Logano: Would clinch with 30 points
The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Corey LaJoie:
- Brad Keselowski: Would clinch regardless of finish
- Alex Bowman: Would clinch regardless of finish
- Joey Logano: Would clinch with 25 points
The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Justin Haley:
- Brad Keselowski: Would clinch regardless of finish
- Alex Bowman: Would clinch regardless of finish
- Joey Logano: Would clinch with 20 points
The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Daniel Hemric:
- Brad Keselowski: Would clinch regardless of finish
- Alex Bowman: Would clinch regardless of finish
- Joey Logano: Would clinch with 17 points
The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by John Hunter Nemechek:
- Brad Keselowski: Would clinch regardless of finish
- Alex Bowman: Would clinch regardless of finish
- Joey Logano: Would clinch with 8 points
- Daniel Suarez: Could clinch with help
The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Austin Dillon:
- Brad Keselowski: Would clinch regardless of finish
- Alex Bowman: Would clinch regardless of finish
- Joey Logano: Would clinch regardless of finish
- Daniel Suarez: Could clinch with help
The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Zane Smith:
- Brad Keselowski: Would clinch regardless of finish
- Alex Bowman: Would clinch regardless of finish
- Joey Logano: Would clinch regardless of finish
- Daniel Suarez: Could clinch with 14 points
- Austin Cindric: Could clinch with 36 points
The following drivers could clinch on previous wins with a win by Harrison Burton:
- Brad Keselowski: Would clinch regardless of finish
- Alex Bowman: Would clinch regardless of finish
- Joey Logano: Would clinch regardless of finish
- Daniel Suarez: Could clinch with 4 points
- Austin Cindric: Could clinch with 26 points
Can Clinch Via Win
The following drivers would clinch on their win alone:
- Martin Truex Jr., Brad Keselowski, Alex Bowman, Joey Logano, Daniel Suarez, Austin Cindric
The following drivers could clinch with a win:
Bubba Wallace: Could only clinch with help
Ty Gibbs: Could only clinch with help
Chris Buescher: Could only clinch with help
Ross Chastain: Could only clinch with help
