Oh Yeah... it was the track...

Inconceivable... Inconceivable.
The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company has recently come under fire for the Nascar Event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Without too much detail, Goodyear failed to provide a tire that stood up to the new Nascar and the track demands. So, what does Goodyear do? Blame the Indianapolis Motor Speedway!

It all started in the spring when Goodyear conducted their tire test at IMS. During the test, they determined the tire could only handle about 8 to 15 laps before shredding and destroying equipment. So, in an effort to prevent this problem from coming up in July at the race, they did.... NOTHING. THAT'S RIGHT! NOTHING!

Besides the race being a total waste of time, fans were mad, teams were mad, drivers mad, everyone mad. Why would Goodyear bring a tire they knew was a problem when they know the track was not going to be repaved or changed for them? Other than believing the conditions would change with the progression of the event, the only other reason is complacency. Fortunately there were no injuries from accidents, but there was also no competition or excitement.

This event should be a lesson. The fans got screwed. The drivers got screwed. Goodyear didn't seem to care. When the 'rubber met the road' they fell short. Instead of owning the problem and working for a solution, they passed the buck to a track that hosts the most famous races in history on the fastest track and most historical venue. Al Unser Sr and the IMS and contracting staff reconstructed a fantastic racing surface, and if Goodyear cannot get it figured out, then they need to be taken down a peg and sent back to the drawing board.

Long live the Indianapolis Motor Speedway... and long fix the Goodyear problem.