New tire compound making its debut at Richmond this weekend

Goodyear will feature new tires in the Sprint Cup and Xfinity Series this weekend at Richmond International Raceway.

Teams will use tire codes D-4674 on the left side and D-4676 on the right side in the ToyotaCare 250 and Toyota Owners 400. It’s the first time either of the tire codes have been used by Goodyear.

The new tires were confirmed in a Goodyear test March 29 at Richmond with Greg Biffle, Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano and Danica Patrick. According to a Goodyear release, the compound change on the right side should help put rubber on the asphalt, improving grip on the 0.75-mile oval.

In recent years at Richmond, drivers have complained that a lack of grip has affected passing.

Sprint Cup teams will have five sets of tires for practice and qualifying and 10 sets for the race. Xfinity teams will be given six sets for the event.