As the 2026 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour enters its final stretch, the focus has shifted to optimizing the equipment, specifically the tires, for the remaining races. This effort involves NASCAR and American Racer working together to establish the best possible tire combination for the Modified Tour, addressing concerns about tire-size consistency and grip throughout the season.
The core objective of this collaboration was to improve performance. Drivers noted that the current tires lacked sufficient grip, making it difficult to find the right line and secure passes. NASCAR and American Racer determined that better grip leads to faster cars early in the run, which is crucial for competitive racing. NASCAR series director Gary Putnam emphasized that achieving better grip was key to improving the overall racing experience.
The process to pinpoint the ideal setup involved extensive testing at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Stafford Speedway. After initial testing, NASCAR experimented with harder compound options, while American Racer adjusted the right-side tires to handle the expected heat. Subsequent testing at Stafford confirmed the necessary adjustments, leading to a final, optimized package.
The ideal combination settled on was the original, softer left sides (the control set) paired with the harder right-side tires tested at New Hampshire. This combination proved ideal for the final four races of the season, including Stafford, Oswego Speedway, Riverhead Raceway, and Thompson Speedway. This development provided a higher grip level and stability for the teams moving forward.
Source: Short Track Scene