Kansas race outcome determined by what we didn't see

While Denny Hamlin’s diving three-wide move and a loose wheel on Martin Truex Jr.’s car both had a pronounced effect on the outcome, so did something much less visible – tire fall-off.

After the race, there seemed a common consensus among drivers that they did not get as much tire fall-off at Kansas as they had at similar 1.5-mile tracks this season, such as Atlanta and Texas.

"So hard to pass"

It appears the best benefits of NASCAR’s new low downforce aerodynamic package will be enjoyed this season when Goodyear can find a tire that produces the optimal tire fall-off.

The lack of tire-fall actually contributed to the decision by Kyle Busch’s crew chief, Adam Stevens, to leave his driver on the track on the final restart, which helped him secure his third win of the season.

“Hadn’t seen much speed in tires all night, not much tire fall-off. We’d only gone about 25 (laps on the tires). It was about the perfect time to make that call,” he said. “A little bit longer would have been harder to make the call and you’d have had less laps to pass the cars.

“It’s just so hard to pass and the cars are so even. As soon as you get the track position, you need to do all you can to maintain it.”

Kasey Kahne, who started far deep in the field after a poor qualifying effort on Friday, was able to race his way into the Top 10 but also noticed the difference in tires

“Well, the tire didn’t really fall off. You just kind of get in line and go. You could pass every once in a while, but if someone was pretty quick in front of you, you’re not going to pass them,” he said.

“You’ve got to have tire fall-off. At any of our tracks that have been good racing and you pass cars, the tire falls off.”

Jamie McMurray, who also raced his way from the back to the front before a NASCAR penalty disrupted his night, said some tracks will be easier to pass on than others.

“I thought it was actually pretty good. This one was a little more difficult; maybe not quite as much tire fall-off as what we need,” he said. “But overall, I thought the racing was still pretty good.”

There have been instances this season when tire fall-off has been so pronounced, it has forced teams to pit for tires before the end of a fuel run - something that used to be far more common many years ago.

Goodyear trying to find the perfect balance

It’s a very fine line Goodyear is working – trying to provide a tire that wears but also one that won’t result in repeated blowouts on national TV when teams push the limit.

Goodyear has been conducting extensive testing this season in hopes of putting together the best combination to match the aero package – and it will likely involve some form of trial and error. The tire used at Kansas Saturday may well not be the same as when the series returns in the fall for its second visit.

One thing is clear so far this season – simply removing downforce isn’t the fix to the problems that have developed with the on-track product.

It’s a combination of factors – and the work by Goodyear is looking more and more important to a successful equation as the season progresses.