Latest test at Indianapolis shows improved tire wear

INDIANAPOLIS -- Goodyear and NASCAR officials say tire wear has improved significantly during this week's testing at Indianapolis.

This is the second test conducted at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway since July's Allstate 400 turned into a series of 10- to 12-lap sprints because the tires wore out.

NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton said on Tuesday that cars in the tests were running at least 20 laps on Goodyear's new tires, built using a compound similar to that used during the second race at Dover this year.

Pemberton also did not appear overly concerned about tire problems during Sunday's race at Talladega. Several drivers had blowouts during the race, which Pemberton attributed primarily to punctures.