NASCAR could take race tires away for inspection violations

NASCAR might have found a way to hit teams where it counts when it comes to getting too cute with pre-race inspection.

When parents want to deter unwelcome behavior from their children, it helps to know what they value the most. The analogy between NASCAR and the teams that drive in its top series isn’t exactly the same, but the sport’s governing body might be considering taking away something those teams find precious come race day as a punishment: tires.

NBC Sports reports that Scott Miller, NASCAR senior vice president of competition, brought up taking race tires away as a potential measure NASCAR could use if teams continue to try to cut things too close during the technical inspection process prior to qualifying during an appearance on “The Morning Drive” on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

It doesn’t sound like something NASCAR prefers to do, but would consider if there are ongoing issues.

"“If we continue to have problems, there’s the potential to add more penalties, take tires away, do several different things to kind of make it more painful for the teams not to qualify. We don’t really want to have to do that, but we do have some things in our back pocket in case we continue to struggle.’’"

A tire penalty is an interesting idea simply because the core conceit if stock car racing is that everyone is on as equal footing as possible. Yes, some teams have more money and build faster engines or have smarter aero people, but for something like tires, which are so important at many tracks, everyone has the same amount.

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Still a tire penalty for inspection violations would fall into the “you did it to yourself” category, and thus probably not engender much sympathy from fans or other teams. Staying out on old tires could end up as a necessity and not a strategic move before the current NASCAR season is over.