NASCAR adds option tire for Phoenix spring race

NASCAR Cup Series teams will have the option tire in their allotment for the March 9 race at Phoenix Raceway.

One set of the option tire added to the allotment for teams to use during practice, but they must qualify on the primary tire. For the 312-lap race, teams will have two sets of option tires and six sets of the primary tire available.

NASCAR will not mandate when teams must use the tires. Instead, the parameters will be the same as at Richmond Raceway in the fall, where teams could make their own call as to when to use the option tires.

The option tire, a softer compound that wears faster and is supposed to increase grip, first debuted at the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway in May. Richmond in August was the first time they were used in a points-paying race.

NASCAR said if the race at Phoenix goes well, the option tire will become the primary tire for the November championship finale. There will be no option tire for championship weekend.