The 2025 Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway is set to take place on March 9, 2025. The practice sessions have provided valuable insights into team performances and tire strategies.
General Practice Observations:
- Tire Performance: This weekend, teams have the option to choose between Prime and Option tires. Notably, the Option tire demonstrated superior speed up to the 30-lap mark. However, around lap 40, the Prime tire began to show better performance over longer runs.
Notable Performances:
- Carson Hocevar: The Spire Motorsports driver topped the practice charts with a lap time of 27.163 seconds, translating to a speed of 132.533 mph.
- Michael McDowell: Close on Hocevar’s heels, McDowell clocked a time of 27.165 seconds (132.523 mph), showcasing the competitiveness of Spire Motorsports this weekend.
- Tyler Reddick: The 23XI Racing driver secured the third-fastest time with a 27.170-second lap (132.499 mph), indicating strong form heading into the race.
10-Lap Average Speeds:
Long-run pace is crucial at Phoenix Raceway. The top drivers based on 10-lap average speeds were:
- Michael McDowell: 130.730 mph
- Tyler Reddick: 130.713 mph
- Austin Cindric: 130.575 mph
- Ross Chastain: 130.417 mph
- William Byron: 130.363 mph
Kyle Larson’s Performance:
Kyle Larson started practice on the Option tire and showcased impressive speed. He led the charts for 25 and 30-lap averages, stating that his car felt “pretty decent,” which bodes well for his race pace.
Implications for Race Day:
The practice sessions highlighted the significance of tire strategy. Teams will need to weigh the immediate benefits of the Option tire against the longevity of the Prime tire.
Drivers like Carson Hocevar and Michael McDowell have shown promising speed, potentially positioning them as dark horses for the race.
Additionally, consistent long-run performances from drivers such as Tyler Reddick and Kyle Larson suggest they will be contenders as the race progresses.
As teams finalize their strategies, the balance between short-term speed and long-run durability will be pivotal in determining success in the 2025 Shriners Children’s 500.
