Option Tires

Option tires are softer tire compounds used in motorsport that provide extra grip and speed but wear out faster than standard racing tires.

In racing, teams typically have two main tire choices: prime tires and option tires. Prime tires are the standard, harder compound that lasts longer during a race. Option tires are the alternative choice - they're made from a softer rubber compound that grips the track better, allowing drivers to go faster for short periods.

The trade-off with option tires is simple: more speed now means less tire life later. Think of it like sprinting versus jogging - you can run faster for a short time, but you'll get tired quicker. Option tires work the same way, giving drivers better performance but requiring more frequent tire changes.

Teams use option tires strategically during different parts of a race. They might choose them for qualifying sessions to set the fastest possible lap time, or save them for a final push to the finish line. Some teams use option tires right after pit stops when they need to quickly pass slower cars on worn tires.

Different racing series handle option tires in their own ways. In NASCAR, option tires are marked with red lettering while standard tires have yellow lettering. This makes it easy for fans and competitors to see which tires each car is running. Some NASCAR races require teams to use both tire types during the race, adding another layer of strategy.

Formula 1 uses a similar system but calls them by different names. They have soft, medium, and hard tire compounds for each race weekend. The softer compounds work like option tires, providing more grip but wearing out faster than the harder compounds.

Weather and track conditions affect how well option tires work. On hot days, the softer compound might wear out even faster. On cooler days, option tires might not warm up enough to provide their grip advantage. This makes tire strategy one of the most important decisions race teams make during a competition.