Dale Inman, eight-time NASCAR Cup Series champion crew chief, recently criticized the tire wear and management involved in Austin Dillon’s victory at Richmond Raceway on August 16, 2025. Inman shared his strong opinions during a conversation with NASCAR legend Richard Petty on the Petty Family Racing podcast, focusing on the impact of Goodyear’s softer tires on race dynamics and strategy.
Inman Voices Concerns Over Rapid Tire Wear at Bristol and Richmond
Goodyear introduced softer tires at the 0.533-mile Bristol Motor Speedway, designed to wear down quickly and add excitement to the race. This tire degradation made management a key factor in race outcomes. Christopher Bell of Joe Gibbs Racing handled these conditions well, earning a spot in the playoff’s next round despite the challenging tire situation.
At Richmond Raceway during the Cook Out 400, tires again wore out rapidly over the 400-lap contest, testing drivers and teams. Austin Dillon’s #3 Chevy Camaro ZL1 crew adapted efficiently, securing a strong, dominant win. Yet, despite Dillon’s success, Inman was openly frustrated with the unusually fast tire wear and its effect on racing quality.
Discussing the situation with Richard Petty, Inman said:
“I didn’t like it at all, Richard. I thought Richard was bad when they wore him out. And no disrespect for the three car for winning the race. No disrespect for the 20-car for winning. But when the tires were out like that, it’s ridiculous. And I thought one time I seen you mountain tires for good.”
– Dale Inman, Crew Chief
“You know I don’t know when the first car come in with the tires wore out but it was somewhere around 30 laps, right? And I don’t think I think it caught everybody off guard that there’s wear it,”
– Dale Inman, Crew Chief
Inman’s comments highlight his displeasure with Goodyear’s tire design that forced teams to manage tire wear more aggressively than usual, which he implies affected the race authenticity and flow.
Christopher Bell and Austin Dillon Excel Under Tire Pressure
Christopher Bell secured his fourth win of the season at Bristol Motor Speedway, displaying impressive skill in tire management by holding off veteran Brad Keselowski. Bell surged to the lead in the closing laps and survived Keselowski’s late aggressive move, demonstrating strategic tire care mixed with determination.
Meanwhile, Austin Dillon’s triumph at Richmond was built on his team’s quick adaptation to the deteriorating tire conditions over a demanding 400-lap race. Managing tires effectively allowed Dillon and his crew to dominate the race and claim victory despite the high level of tire wear affecting most competitors.
The Historic Bond Between Dale Inman and Richard Petty
The legendary partnership between Dale Inman and Richard Petty established significant milestones in NASCAR history. Inman guided Petty, a seven-time Cup Series champion, through a near-30-year collaboration that resulted in record-breaking achievements still recognized today.
Their journey began when Petty’s father, Lee, was a dominant figure in stock car racing. Around that era, Inman—Petty’s nephew—started working alongside Petty’s brother Maurice in the garage. Inman’s early days as a pit crew member in the late 1950s grew into a pioneering role, as by 1960, when Petty earned his first victory, Inman had taken charge of vehicle management, while Maurice specialized in engine building.
Reflecting on Inman’s influence, Petty described:
“Dale was a racing benchmark. He was the sport’s first official crew chief, and people modeled themselves after him. He knew what, when, and where, and when he made a mistake, he wasn’t afraid to admit it. Everyone respected him for that. Nobody even comes close to the number of wins that Dale has recorded.”
– Richard Petty, NASCAR Champion
Inman’s guidance helped Petty achieve an extraordinary 193 career wins and seven Cup Series championships. Their 1967 campaign stands out, featuring a 10-race winning streak behind the wheel of the iconic Plymouth Belvedere that they built together, cementing their legacy in motorsports.
Implications of Tire Management Issues on NASCAR’s Future
Dale Inman’s candid criticism brings attention to tensions over tire specifications and their influence on race outcomes in the NASCAR Cup Series. The use of softer tires to generate more action on the track has prompted mixed reactions from drivers, teams, and racing veterans.
As Austin Dillon’s victory demonstrated, skillful tire management remains essential to success, but questions linger about whether the faster tire wear diminishes the purity of competition. The balance between thrilling spectators and preserving traditional racing merit will likely continue to provoke debate within the NASCAR community.
The conversation between historic figures like Inman and Petty also serves as a reminder of how much the sport has evolved, highlighting the complexities today’s teams face with changing technology and regulations. Going forward, NASCAR and Goodyear may need to refine tire strategies to satisfy both competitors and fans alike, ensuring gripping yet authentic racing experiences.
