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Daytona 500: What’s the difference between a left-side tire and a right-side tire?

By Phil Naegely

Feb 14, 2016; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; The crew of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Chase Elliott (24) celebrates after winning the pole during qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 14, 2016; Daytona Beach, FL, USA; The crew of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Chase Elliott (24) celebrates after winning the pole during qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports /
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What is the difference between the tires on each side of NASCAR cars?

During this year’s Daytona 500, Greg Bifle’s tire started to shred and spin debris everywhere onto the track at Daytona. Luckily he was able to avoid wrecking and get to pit crew without damaging the car further.

Before the caution flag ended, FOX shared on the air that Bifle’s crew apparently put the tires on the wrong side according to Goodyear. Unlike with tires that are on normal vehicles, NASCAR tires are slightly different depending if they are on the left side or the right side.

NASCAR drivers compete on mainly oval track outside of the road races. As a result, the left-side tires is slightly smaller than the right-side tires so that it is easier to turn. There’s also pressure on the left-side tires due to the force on the inside of the cars when turning around the banked tracks so the thread needs to me softer and more nimble.

The right-side tire has a tougher tread because it sees more wear and tear from races.

Apparently, Bifle’s crew flip flopped the tires during one of the pit stops. It didn’t cost them too hard this time around, but a mental mistake like this could lead to a major crash that eliminates him from a major race.

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