William Byron brands tier management return at Bristol ‘unfair’

William Byron was the worst finishing HMS driver at Bristol,

William Byron at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Via IMAGO)

The Food City 500 race has sparked a massive debate about the tire degradation issues that the track seems to be causing due to its track surface being concrete instead of asphalt. The track’s massive tire wear problems had led to a lot of drivers struggling to find the right setup. Only five drivers, who managed their tiers the best was able to finish the race on lead lap.

Daytona 500 winner William Byron pointed that NASCAR needs to be clear about the tracks they are expecting their drivers to race at. The No:24 Chevy driver seemed to be caught massively off-guard by the grip levels of the track at Bristol as he finished in 35th position. He pointed out that lack of information about such massive changes were unfair on teams.

I wonder if a similar tire-management Bristol race that is a playoff cutoff race is a good idea or whether fans would be angry if their driver has a tire failure that eliminates them from contention. While at Hendrick Motorsports today, I got the view of their drivers. pic.twitter.com/pIIo1Rl4Nf
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 19, 2024

We definitely need to know what we’re getting into before the weekend, to be fair. I mean, the regular season is one thing, to have races that don’t go according to plan is exciting and entertaining, but I don’t think that it’s fair to the competitors and teams to not know what you’re getting into going there.

William Byron speaking told Bob Pockrass.

Byron expects NASCAR to be clearer regarding such different track layouts and surfaces. With the HMS driver finishing low down the order again, the weekend just seemed to add to his frustration. All of teammates finishing among the front runners might’ve frustrated him all well.

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William Byron reveals the main challenge that drivers faced at Bristol

During the Food City 500 race, the concrete nature of the track at Bristol has led to a lot of drivers finding it hard to be on the limit. The track’s surface which is concrete in nature has led to drivers not being able to extract the right amount of grip from their tires.

William Byron detailed how the track’s layout change has led to the massive tire wear issues. The practice race made Byron feel that the track was very harsh on the tires and was dissatisfying him and other drivers.

Kind of depends on when you’re out there making laps. I mean, if you have cycles on your tires and tires are hot or dirty, it seems like really sensitive to that. So, I don’t know how much of that is the track or the car. But yeah, it’s different for sure. It’s a new challenge.

William Byron said.

Although Byron also added how the track surface will lead to interesting and fun races, NASCAR has to be more clear about it. With the next race at Bristol in a few months, only time will tell if the track’s tire degradation issues improve or not.