The NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour is confronting a series of tire anomalies at New Hampshire Motor Speedway that have left several drivers uneasy ahead of the scheduled Saturday event.
During practice, multiple competitors reported blistering on the left‑rear tires, a problem that appeared across several cars and raised questions about the consistency of the American Racer compound.
Practice woes at New Hampshire
Jon McKennedy was forced to retire after just twelve hard laps when a left‑rear tire gave way, a moment that amplified anxiety among the field about the durability of the rubber.
Matt Hirschman also experienced a blister that developed mid‑session, prompting officials to pull him from the track to prevent further damage.
Patrick Emerling noted a similar blister on his left rear, yet he remained hopeful that the car’s balance could still be competitive in the race.
Austin Beers, who finished second in the championship after a strong practice, expressed confidence in a new tire setup and suggested the team had found a promising direction.
Team critiques and tire reliability
Tommy Baldwin Jr., a veteran crew chief, criticized American Racer’s pace of adaptation, calling the situation a recurring frustration for teams that have been waiting for a reliable solution.
Doug Coby, who discovered a broken caliper bolt during the session, said his initial tire performance was acceptable, but the mechanical issue added to the day’s challenges.
Stephen Kopcik and Justin Bonsignore reported no major tire problems, highlighting the uneven nature of the experience across the field.
Ryan Preece, who is juggling modified and Cup Series commitments, felt his tires were stable and free of blistering, offering a contrasting perspective.
The collective concern centers on the left‑rear tire’s reliability, with teams urging organizers to address the issue before the race to avoid jeopardizing competitive integrity.
As the weekend progresses, the focus will shift to how the series resolves the tire dilemma and whether the upcoming race will proceed under a cloud of uncertainty.