Firestone introduces alternative tires at INDYCAR finale in Nashville

INDYCAR has announced that for the final race of the 2024 season, the Music City Grand Prix, Firestone Firehawk alternate tires will be used at Nashville Superspeedway. These tires, recognizable by their red sidewall, offer a softer compound than the primary ones and provide teams with additional options in terms of strategy and performance on track. This addition aims to enhance the competition during the championship weekend.

Details about the tires and their usage

Each team will receive six sets of primary tires and four sets of alternate tires for the Nashville weekend. These tires can be used freely during practice sessions and qualifying, while in the race, drivers must use at least one set of primary tires and two sets of alternates. This combination aims to increase overtaking opportunities and vary the pit stop strategies.

As a new feature for this event, there will be no restrictions on whether the tires must be new or used, giving teams more flexibility in their race plans. Additionally, drivers must complete a minimum of two laps on each set of tires, similar to the regulations for road and street circuits.

Implementation and background

This will be the second time that alternate compound tires are used on an oval, following their debut at World Wide Technology Raceway in 2023. INDYCAR President Jay Frye praised Firestone's performance and their ability to offer a more dynamic format for fans and teams. With this introduction, the series expects an exciting race to close out the season.

In addition to the primary and alternate tire sets, each team will receive an additional set exclusively for a high-line practice session on the outer lane of the oval, designed to increase grip in that part of the track. This format has already shown good results in previous events.

A technical challenge for Firestone

The Firestone team, led by Cara Krstolic, faced the challenge of developing these tires in record time. Since the announcement of the Nashville race, Firestone worked on a design adapted to the heavier hybrid cars that compete in the series. Testing at Nashville Superspeedway helped fine-tune the tire's performance, aiming to create a significant wear difference between the compounds, which will influence pit stop strategies.

Krstolic highlighted that the main objective of the alternate tires is to promote greater degradation and wear over the course of the stints, forcing teams to adjust their race plans. This will generate more opportunities for drivers to take advantage of the grip differences between compounds and potentially increase passing opportunities on track.

Music City Grand Prix schedule

The event will begin with practice sessions at Nashville Superspeedway on Saturday, September 14, followed by qualifying for the NTT P1 Award. On Sunday, September 15, the Music City Grand Prix, which closes the season, will be broadcast live starting at 3 p.m. on NBC and Peacock.