Tech Section: Intermediate Consolidation & Construction
The NASCAR Cup Series utilizes the Goodyear Racing Eagle tire package that debuted late last season. Why? This setup represents the next step in the consolidation of the intermediate track package. So What? This tire has already run at Las Vegas and Kansas this year, giving teams like 23XI Racing and Hendrick Motorsports a wealth of technical data to optimize their aero-mapping.
Technical Highlights: The left-side tire (D-5284) features a compound update introduced at Charlotte last May, while the right-side tire (D-5290) underwent a construction change first raced at Kansas last fall. So What? The updated construction provides better stability in the high-speed, high-downforce scenarios typical of Texas.
Ford Surge: Keep an eye on Brad Keselowski and the RFK camp. Why? Their runner-up finish last week shows the Ford Dark Horse Mustang is finding its speed. So What? Texas will test if that speed translates from the draft-heavy Talladega to the high-load intermediate layout of TMS.
Ford Surge: Keep an eye on Brad Keselowski and the RFK camp. Why? Their runner-up finish last week shows the Ford Dark Horse Mustang is finding its speed. So What? Texas will test if that speed translates from the draft-heavy Talladega to the high-load intermediate layout of TMS.
Qualifying Order: Top 10 Metric Scores
| Pos | Car No. | Driver | Manufacturer | Metric Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 67 | Corey Heim(i) | Toyota | 40.100 |
| 2 | 41 | Cole Custer | Chevrolet | 37.100 |
| 3 | 22 | Joey Logano | Ford | 31.800 |
| 4 | 21 | Josh Berry | Ford | 31.500 |
| 5 | 66 | Chad Finchum(i) | Ford | 31.300 |
| 6 | 5 | Kyle Larson | Chevrolet | 29.800 |
| 7 | 71 | Michael McDowell | Chevrolet | 29.300 |
| 8 | 23 | Bubba Wallace | Toyota | 28.800 |
| 9 | 88 | Connor Zilisch # | Chevrolet | 28.400 |
| 10 | 24 | William Byron | Chevrolet | 27.800 |
*38 cars entered for 40 spots. Metric score determines the qualifying inspection order.