Goodyear vs. Hoosiers

Irwindale Speedway has a tire shortage. Apparently it's not alone. Almost every short track in the country is having the same problem supplying tires to its drivers. Actually, the problem is Goodyear's, which hasn't been able to supply tracks like Irwindale Speedway with enough tires for drivers. The problem started when the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series teams complained about the quality of their tires and Goodyear decided to start replacing them. It caused a trickle down effect and now divisions like the NASCAR Super Trucks at Irwindale Speedway had to switch to Hoosiers for Saturday night's race. Not many drivers were happy about the switch. In fact, all but one of the Super Truck drivers I talked to had anything positive to say about the Hoosiers. And even the one chose his words carefully. The next batch of drivers who could be forced to switch tires is the NASCAR Late Model guys. Not many of them are happy about having to make the switch either. However, track officials have the assurance of Goodyear that there will be enough tires for the Late Model drivers to finish the season. That apparently hasn't stopped some teams from stockpiling tires though.