NASCAR insiders react to Christopher Bell’s “torn” remark on using option tires in playoffs

NASCAR has recently introduced a significant change of providing two sets of option tires, and drivers like Christopher Bell are concerned about the change. The change that started at Richmond Raceway in August perturbed the Joe Gibbs Racing driver, who earlier said that he is "torn on it, and we're getting further and further away".

NASCAR insiders on Dirty Mo Media revisited Bell's statements on the show and expressed their views on this change.

"I already have abdicated on here multiple times that I hate a one-race, single-race champion. But if we're gonna have a one-race, single-race champion, I always wanted to be the team that built the fastest race car and the driver that executed the best that day. Yeah, not the guy that just said, 'I'm gonna risk I'm running fourth all day here today to these other three when they put their last set on what's wanting to go. I'm gonna save mine and hope I get a caution with five," stated Freddie Kraft.

The option tires give an edge over competitors because they are softer than regular prime tires. Prime tires provide drivers with longer durability and a constant speed. But option tires wear out faster and give a boost in the grip, hence increasing speed.

Not only does Kraft agree with Christopher Bell, but TJ Majors also expressed his concern that option tires will give a boost if you use them with the right strategy in the race.

Christopher Bell is not the only driver concerned about option tires

Just like Christopher Bell, his JGR teammate Denny Hamlin also showcased his concerns about the implications of option tires. In a report shared by NASCAR, he was anxious about the fact that the dominant cars would be outperformed by the others using option tires and might end up winning the race.

However, Hamlin was the runner-up at the last race at Richmond Raceway. He stated:

"I could have the dominant car, and then someone’s got that extra set of softs, and they come by and blow our doors off at the end. But generally speaking, I think it could be really good and compelling for the show because I think you are going to have people that will use it and be fast for a little while and then really slow."

The Joe Gibbs racing driver also mentioned that the option of two types of tires can disrupt his strategy and give his competitors an edge over him for not opting out of the right strategy, costing him his win.