There's still a lot--A LOT--for the new racer to get his or her head around whether tires are part of the equation or no. And for that matter, there's plenty to keep the committed hobbyist and racer interested for years without insisting on myriad tire choices.

Are you really fascinated by tires? Really? Color me skeptical.

If spec tires for Stock make it more likely that a new racer, or even a veteran racer, will choose to run 1/12th scale, then that's a good thing. Speaking only for myself, but I'm far less interested in turning fast laps by myself than I am in toeing the line with six or a dozen other guys for actual racing.