A two-day Goodyear tire test is scheduled this week at Bristol Motor Speedway, with the goal of dialing in an optimal setup for the NASCAR Cup Series’ two visits to the Tennessee short track next year.
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Three teams — one from each of the series’ three manufacturers — are scheduled to test Wednesday and Thursday at the 0.533-mile concrete oval. Participating teams are:
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• No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota; driver Bubba Wallace
• No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet; driver Alex Bowman
• No. 60 RFK Racing Ford; driver Ryan Preece
Competition officials indicated that one of the test’s objectives is to determine a tire setup that promotes fall-off and an emphasis on tire management, but without the excessive wear from the Cup Series’ most recent race on Sept. 13. Another prime goal is to zero in on a setup that’s more temperature neutral, with tires that react the same regardless of any swings in temps.
The teams will also be testing with the new target 750-horsepower package, which will be used on road courses and oval tracks measuring less than 1.5 miles in 2026.
MORE: 2025 season, by the numbers
The Cup Series will make two stops at Bristol Motor Speedway next season — April 12 for the Food City 500, and Sept. 19 for the annual Bass Pro Shops Night Race in the playoffs.
