Kahne still had his doubts as late as last month, but the performance of the race tyres (the same left-side tyres used in the June 7 Cup race at Pocono combined with new, softer right sides) in the two June tests has him convinced.

“I was actually concerned a month ago when we came here and went five laps, and that was it,” Kahne said. “We had to change tyres pretty much, and that was similar to last year, in that it was full of tire dust all over inside the car and on the racetrack.

“When you have all that tyre dust, it's not sticking to the track. And then they hit on something, and the cars are clean and there's no tyre dust, the rubber's sticking to the track, and the tyres feel grippy and racy.

“What the fans came to watch last year, and what they ended up getting to see and the people watching on TV … it was a disaster. And I think that where they've gone since then is awesome.

“I think it's the best tyre that I've been on since I've been racing here, as far as testing goes — we'll see how it is in the race — but I feel like they've done everything that they could, and it's going to be great. It's going to turn out awesome, and I'm excited for the Allstate 400.”

So is Gordon, to the extent of promising that tires won't be a concern this year.

Is that a money-back guarantee?

Gordon laughed.

“Yeah, I'll put my money where my mouth is,” he shot back, on his way out of the IMS media centre.

by Reid Spencer/Sporting News