Power’s Andretti Debut at Phoenix Raceway: Key Insights and Tire Developments
Phoenix, AZ – Will Power is set to make his first appearance for Andretti Global on Wednesday during a Firestone Racing test at Phoenix Raceway, aligning with his former teammate, Josef Newgarden of Team Penske. This test is critical as it will help finalize the tire specifications for the upcoming Good Ranchers 250, scheduled for March 6-7. This race marks the dual event weekend featuring both IndyCar and NASCAR.
The testing phase follows a previous session on November 6, where Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon and Ed Carpenter Racing’s Alexander Rossi contributed to Firestone’s tire development efforts. Firestone’s Director of Race Tire Engineering, Cara Krstolic, emphasized the importance of feedback to ensure the tires meet the demands of the entire field.
“This is a verification test,” Krstolic stated, noting the tight timeline for the tire’s development alongside the impending race schedule. The new tire development comes in response to the increased weight of the Dallara DW12 chassis, which has gained over 150 pounds since its last Phoenix race in 2018. This weight has led to significant wear on right-front tires during short oval competitions.
To address these challenges, Firestone has engineered a new, wider right-front tire, measuring nearly half an inch wider than the traditional tire used in superspeedway and short oval configurations. Krstolic explained that the aim is to enhance lateral grip, which will allow race cars to navigate corners more effectively at higher speeds.
“The right front is at capacity with the additional weight. The increase in width will grant teams improved grip, improving performance on high downforce tracks,” she noted. During earlier tests, the wider tire received positive feedback from drivers, indicating a preference for its performance during both short and long runs.
Notably, the modifications at Phoenix Raceway, combined with the introduction of hybrid powertrains in 2024, necessitated this fresh approach to tire design. This new tire represents a significant deviation from previous offerings, indicating Firestone’s commitment to ensuring competitive performance in changing race conditions.
As the teams prepare for the upcoming race, this test will be crucial for confirming the tire’s effectiveness and making necessary adjustments. Krstolic’s insights underline the ongoing evolution of tire technology in IndyCar and the challenges faced with the current generation of cars.
The implications of these changes are significant, not only for individual teams but for the overall safety and competitiveness of the IndyCar series as it heads into its 2026 season.
