Wow, I would say Barber will be a real test of tire endurance. I don't watch IRL enough to know how they've coped with road courses as of late, but Barber can really torture tires on a car only meant for road racing.
I think IRL's compounds for their Reds and Blacks have been holding up well this season. At least I personally haven't read anything bad about either compound. I would hope Firestone would be at Barber doing some serious testing to get the compunds correct. If this happens, it just might be time to go on a road trip for an IRL race...
To be honest, Barber is about the only place I'd travel to for an IRL race. I'd go there to watch people race unicycles... it's practically a country club.
No tire problems at all that I can think of this season. That's what happens when there's only one manufacturer.
I haven't made it to Barber yet but this will be the "incentive" I need to do so...amazing facility, world-class museum, Indycars...yep, that'll hit the spot they have had some graining/marbling issues (particularly at Indy) but no failures or seriously impacted races. And one tire manufacturer isn't always a guarantee...look at how badly Goodyear screws up in NASCAR on a regular basis.
Exactly, its only been issues with the tires they are utilizing for ovals. They really need to sort that issue out so the drivers will be more willing to pass out of the narrow racing groove. I don't see the downforce changes coming at KY as solving the issues of no passing. I think they need to control the marbles more so its not a death-ride-into-the-wall when they go wide outside the race line. So Firestone, back to the lab for better compounds guys so they can more safely run 2/3 wide on the ovals.
I would actually think more downforce would make the situation worse (higher speeds/g-loads and more "weight" pushing the cars into the ground=higher tire wear).
You're right, on the ovals it is a significant issue. Can't comment on the NASCAR issue as I really pay no attention to them. I believe they had major issues at Indy last year though (NASCAR I mean) correct? It'll definitely good to add a proper course and not another no passing, poorly constructed street circuit (Champ Car in San Jose comes to mind).
