"Guys are going to gamble" - Martin Truex Jr. warns of risky tire strategy at Richmond

Veteran NASCAR driver Martin Truex Jr. provided insights into the possible tire strategies for the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway. This Sunday's 400-lapper race will let drivers and teams choose between two Goodyear tire compounds, adding intrigue to the race.

NASCAR has reintroduced the yellow-lettered 'prime' tires and red-lettered 'option' tires after testing the tire choice procedure in the All-Star Race. Each team will receive seven sets of the baseline prime tires, which are more durable. The two sets of option tires offer short-term grip, at the expense of rapid wear.

Ahead of the Cook Out 400, Martin Truex Jr. suggested two possible strategies that could be in play for the night. He insists that drivers who aren't running up front will gamble on the option tires (softer tires) early in the race, while those in contention for victory will save those tires for the late race restarts.

Elaborating on the strategy choices, the #19 Joe Gibbs Racing driver told Bob Pockrass:

"You are gonna see guys that aren't running up front and have a chance to win the race, are probably the guys who are going to gamble and maybe use those tires earlier."

"My opinion, I could be right or wrong, but the guys that are running up front and have a shot to win are probably gonna keep those tires hanging around for the end in case we get in a situation like we did in the spring, with a caution with two laps to go. If you don't have them you're gonna get smoked. I think just depends on everybody's situation." he added.

Tire selection will be pivotal in determining both stage winners and the ultimate champion of the Cook Out 400. The crew chief's decisions from atop the pit box will play a crucial role in putting their drivers in the best position to fight for victory.

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Martin Truex Jr. on how tire choice introduces unpredictability

The introduction of optional tires has heightened the strategic complexity of the race and amplified the importance of the crew chief's decisions. Although Martin Truex Jr. believes saving the option tires will be a popular choice, he insists there will be a lot of variability.

Commenting on how the tire choice will add a layer of unpredictability to the race, the #19 JGR Toyota driver was quoted by NASCAR.com:

"Well, that’s the hard part. But you know, then if you don’t have them [option tires] or if guys do, you’re going to get smoked. They’re going to put us in that position of, nobody knows what’s going to happen. … It’s not uncomfortable. They just like for things to happen that nobody sees coming. They don’t want us to be prepared for everything. They don’t want us to have the opportunity to know exactly what’s going to happen."

Martin Truex Jr. and Denny Hamlin share the front row for the Cook Out 400 and are the favorites to win the race. The green flag for the 400-lap race is set to drop at 6:00 PM ET.