Joey Logano has shared a revealing look at Goodyear’s approach to tire development for the NASCAR Cup Series, exposing that the tire maker experimented with an extremely aggressive tire compound at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. This tire was eventually considered too dangerous for use in the playoffs. Logano’s insights offer a rare behind-the-scenes understanding of the challenges in balancing performance and safety during NASCAR’s most important events.
Details on the Tire Compound Logano Described as Too Risky
In July, Goodyear conducted a tire test at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, where Logano, along with Christopher Bell and Ross Chastain, tested several tire compounds across two demanding days. Among the options was a notably aggressive tire that required careful tire management to last just 40 laps, marking a significant shift from NASCAR’s usual tire durability norms.
There was a tire we ran that 40 laps was, you had to manage the tire to make it 40,
Logano said in an interview.
I like that, right? I mean, you look at what happened at Bristol last week, I think everybody likes it. I mean, as a driver, I thought it was awesome.
This aggressive tire demonstrated Goodyear’s effort to innovate in pursuit of delivering more exciting racing. Although Logano was enthusiastic about the potential competition use of this tire, the high stakes of playoff competition made the choice too risky.
Pretty risky to do, especially in the playoffs, like if it doesn’t work out, it could be a total fiasco,
he added.
Ultimately, Goodyear opted for the more established D-5254 and D-5256 tires, known for their reliable performance at venues like Richmond Raceway, Martinsville Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway, and the NASCAR All-Star Race. These tires provide noticeable lap time degradation while ensuring the safety required for playoff conditions.
Impact of Tire Testing on Playoff Strategy
The July testing session has given Logano, Bell, and Chastain a tactical advantage entering the Round of 12 playoffs, as these three drivers gained valuable data on tire performance at New Hampshire that other playoff competitors lack. NASCAR veteran Jeff Burton commented on Logano’s performance during the test, saying
everybody said Logano was absolutely flying
throughout the private sessions.
At the same time, Burton urged caution when considering tire test results as predictive. Reflecting on his own experience, he noted,
There’s been many tire tests I went to, and I was absolutely horrible. I went back and had a great run, and vice versa… So I caution you a little bit about tire testing because when you get there, the weather is different, the rubber is on the racetrack.
This insight underscores that while the test may offer an edge by familiarizing select drivers with tire behavior and track conditions, actual race day variables can still significantly influence outcomes. The fact that the other nine playoff drivers have not tested at New Hampshire could give Logano, Bell, and Chastain a crucial advantage as the championship battle progresses.
Interesting anecdote from Joey Logano: Goodyear apparently tested another tire compound for New Hampshire that had such aggressive falloff that they had to be managed just to have them last 40 laps.
Logano wanted to give it a try, but they noted it was "pretty risky" to bring… pic.twitter.com/CwFFYmbSmQ
— Steven Taranto (@STaranto92) September 20, 2025
