Did "crabbing" have any effect on the tires?

Question

We know the tires were wrong and the race was horrible. That being said, what part of the cars being set up for "crabbing" down the straightaways have to contribute to the right rear tire problem? Had the rear tires been left in normal position, would the wear have been as bad?

Just a question.

Answer 1

I think it did have quite a bit to do with it. Don't forget: the track was "diamond ground" also. The the crabbing, desing of the COT and the gringing all played a part.

Answer 2

Good question.

I wondered that myself but I had to reflect back on the other tracks and ask did it have an affect on the tires blowing out at those tracks? Since the tires didn't wear out at those other tracks then the "crabbing" may not be the cause.

On the other hand it would be interesting to see if NASCAR makes a rule against crabbing until they figure out the tire problems. I thought they already made a rule about the crabbing. That's what puzzles me is that you still see those setups.

The 3 cars testing at Indy in April said they had problems back during testing with the tires only lasting 5 or 10 laps.

Answer 3

I still think the tires were bad, Goodyear missed it big time, but you bring up a great point. The "crabbing " of the car puts alot of down force on the right rear of the car especially going through the turns and Indy being so flat made it even worse not to mention how hard the COT is on right side tires anyway. I think the tire would have worn a little less if the cars weren't "crabbing". But, I'm just a fan and not a crew chief or a engineer. Just my thoughts on it. Great question.

Answer 4

It only would have mattered if the car went straight and the wheels didn't but the angle the car took on the straights didn't put much extra force on the wheels. Good question but I don't think it had anything to do with it. It was the COT in general and how much force it puts on the right rear with the lack of downforce.