Joey Logano secured the pole position for the NASCAR Phoenix Cup qualifying, leading Team Penske’s effort at Phoenix Raceway just four months after the 2025 championship event. The session was marked by multiple tire failures and spins as drivers adapted to new conditions brought on by increased horsepower and aggressive tire strategies.
Teams Face Tire Pressure Struggles with Increased Power
The recent upgrade from 670 to 750 horsepower this season has pushed teams to run ultra-low tire pressures to achieve faster lap times. While not an issue with Goodyear tires themselves, this tactic caused numerous right front tire failures during Saturday’s two 20-minute practice sessions. Drivers and crews pushed the limits to find the right balance of speed and durability, with no team managing it better than Logano’s No. 22 Ford crew led by Paul Wolfe.
Joey Logano on Adjusting to New Power and Tire Dynamics
Logano reflected on the power increase and tire wear after clinching the pole.
“I would say the power is definitely in effect,”
Logano said during his post-pole press conference.
“It’s not huge but it’s directionally that way. Any time you talk to any driver, they’re going to say put more horsepower in it, but the fact it seems like (tire) fall off is pretty high and cars are searching around has to go into the equation too right? We’re on the brakes more and on the gas a little less, but spinning the (tires) more, and it’s just easier to wear them out. It just promotes a wider track and better racing. So whether it comes from the tire wear or the horsepower, it all goes together. It’s all a package.”
Practice Sessions Highlight Tire Issues for RFK Racing Teammates
RFK Racing teammates Chris Buescher and Brad Keselowski both experienced right front tire pressure losses during practice. Buescher managed to return to the pits safely, but Keselowski’s incident resulted in a crash that forced him to switch to a backup car and miss qualifying altogether. Keselowski expressed his surprise on the Amazon Prime broadcast.
“We saw that Chris had an issue so we pumped it up full of air and drove it slow to build some air and not abuse it … not sure why it would blow.”
– Brad Keselowski, RFK Racing Driver
Other Drivers Feel Impact of Increased Horsepower and Tire Conditions
Chase Briscoe acknowledged the noticeable uptick in power during practice, admitting he initially underestimated the difference.
“I’ll be the first to admit, I didn’t think we would feel the difference in power,”
Briscoe stated on Prime.
“But I’ll be the first to admit, it feels like there is way more than 750 or whatever it is. This is the most slick and wore out we’ve been here. It’s going to be fun tomorrow for sure.”
Meanwhile, Tyler Reddick experienced a spin while testing corner balance in his Jordan Brand Toyota.
“Was just trying to get the balance on our Jordan Brand Toyota a little bit closer,”
Reddick explained on Prime.
“Practice is one of those moments where you can explore and try things but also impact your weekend pretty severely. Just pushed too far, and that’s okay.”
Anticipation Rises for an Exciting Race with New Performance Variables
Logano expressed eagerness for further power enhancements following the early-season taste of 750 horsepower. He praised Goodyear for developing a tire that has significant fall-off, which adds to racing strategy and excitement.
“There’s no doubt Goodyear’s done an incredible job at bringing in a tire that actually falls off because for years here, you remember, gosh, you’d run a whole run and be like three tenths, four tenths slower than what you started (and) now you’re seconds off, right,”
Logano stated.
“So we’ve come a long, long ways. Goodyear’s done the biggest amount but the engine is directionally better. We have to be open for more, right, just because we’re all saying this is good. It’s never enough from a driver standpoint but this is going to be a great race tomorrow, one of our better races, in my opinion.”
As NASCAR teams adjust to these evolving challenges at Phoenix Raceway, the competition promises to be fierce and unpredictable, with tire management and horsepower playing critical roles in the outcome of the race.
