Brian Bielanski, Editor

(RacingWire) – Dear Goodyear, please bring a “bad” tire every weekend.

Memories were evoked of Bristol a few weeks earlier, where the tire company had to bring in several truck-loads of replacement tires to save the weekend.

This situation was much different. Bristol was a safety issue. This was simply a tire that forced the drivers to drive a little.

NASCAR's drivers are spoiled. They are some of the best drivers in the world and they are fortunate that most weekends Goodyear brings them a tire that often feels more like a Cadillac on an interstate than a racecar on the edge of its limit.

The “bad” tire at Martinsville was a great test for the best drivers in the world. It was also a great test for some of the most creative crew chiefs in the world. It also made for some great racing for the fans, bringing back the Martinsville “Bump and Run”.

I'm also not certain Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s great run can't be blamed on the “bad” tire. It's always been my opinion that Dale Jr. is one heck of a good race car driver. It's pretty well documented how good Steve Letarte is. Dale Jr. and Letarte we're able to ge the most out of the “bad” tire. They were plain better than 41 other teams when it counted.

So here's my request of Goodyear. Pleae, please, bring a “bad” tire every weekend. Force drivers and crew chiefs to adapt to what the rubber gives them. Don't tell teams what they're getting. Let them figure it out when the roll out for the first practice.

I'm not suggesting we skip testing. Quite to the contrary, actually. Test as often as NASCAR will allow. Just test a number of different compounds and contructions but don't tell teams what you plan to bring.

Here's what this does. It brings another exciting element to the weekend. It makes smart crew chiefs shine. Drivers who can truly adapt will rise to the top of the speed charts.

I love it when the track and tires change as the race wears on. It's racing's version of the curve ball. Those who can adapt win... those who can't don't.

I want to see these guys sweat a little and the “bad” tire does just that.

Let's hope Goodyear brings a “bad” tire every weekend.