The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event at New Hampshire Motor Speedway provided a real-world test for teams grappling with tire consistency and performance. A major talking point throughout the weekend involved how the slightly modified tire compounds handled the demanding track conditions, especially as teams navigated the transition in tire suppliers.
Several drivers encountered specific issues during practice sessions. Jon McKennedy reported anxiety after losing a left rear tire, noting that the tire appeared to deteriorate quickly. Similarly, Matt Hirschman experienced concerns after a left rear tire began to separate, leading American Racer officials to halt his practice run, highlighting the scrutiny placed on tire integrity.
Frustration also surfaced regarding the tire changes themselves. Tommy Baldwin Jr. and his son Luke Baldwin expressed concerns over the shift from Hoosier tires to American Racer. Baldwin Jr. suggested that the newer tires have not adapted as quickly as expected, noting that the change in supplier has created a hurdle for teams trying to maintain consistency and performance.
Other participants shared varied experiences. Patrick Emerling remained optimistic about the race, feeling that the tire fall-off was manageable and that the final race would be different from previous years. Meanwhile, Doug Coby noted that rotating different sets of tires during practice made handling feel inconsistent, suggesting that any potential left rear issues would make for an interesting race.
Source: Short Track Scene