NASCAR Testing News

Updated: 2010

Friday, March 12, 2010

24 teams expected to participate in Talladega spoiler test: Sprint Cup Series teams will assemble on Tuesday, March 16 for an important early-season test at Talladega Superspeedway. Approximately 24 teams are expected to participate in the one-day session, which will target a number of mechanical options in advance of the Aaron's 499 on Sunday, April 25 at Talladega. NASCAR Sprint Cup officials will analyze the data gleaned - along with teams' input - and later make several key decisions for the Aaron's 499. Teams also will test spoilers, which will replace the current wings on the backs of cars. No timetable has been set for the wing-to-spoiler move. Rule changes, announced on Jan. 21, are the impetus behind the test. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams used larger carburetor restrictor-plate openings in the 2010 Daytona 500 and larger plate openings are expected for the Aaron's 499 at Talladega. The switch from wing to spoiler also was a rule change. The wing replaced the traditional stock-car spoiler on NASCAR's new car, now in its third fulltime season. Returning to the spoiler means on-track testing, and another series test - Tuesday, March 23 and Wednesday, March 24 at Charlotte Motor Speedway - will be devoted solely to spoiler work. Both the Charlotte and Talladega tests are exceptions to the current testing policy. Next Tuesday's Talladega session begins at 9 a.m. CT and runs until 5 p.m. CT with a noon-1 p.m. lunch break. Fans are welcome to attend, with free admission. The track's Gadsden and Lincoln grandstands only will be open, with parking lots behind those grandstands opening at 8:30 a.m. Grandstand gates open at 8:45 a.m. Grandstands close at 5:15 p.m.(NASCAR PR)

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Danica Patrick could have additional stock car tests: Danica Patrick won’t be out of pocket with her JR Motorsports team during her Nationwide absence. “We’ve put a lot of effort into these first three stock car races, but my ultimate goal is still to win the [Indianapolis] 500 and the IndyCar championship; that’s the primary focus,” she said. “It doesn’t mean I’ll lose touch with my team at JR Motorsports while I’m back in the IndyCar Series. I’ll still stay in contact with [crew chief] Tony [Eury Jr.] and keep up with the guys as they get things prepared for my return in June.” In fact, additional stock car tests with JRM could be on her docket before she returns to Nationwide competition. “I don’t think that plan is completely set yet,” Patrick said. “We have quite a few months to think about it, but with New Hampshire the first one that I have coming back to the season in June, I’m sure we’ll try and replicate that track a little bit and try to go somewhere similar. “I wouldn’t mind if we tested all the time. I think the more I can drive the car the better.” Perhaps further testing should be in the cards for her. (ThatsRacin.com)

Friday, January 29, 2010

NASCAR plans test spoiler at Talladega in March: NASCAR has tentatively added a third test of the spoiler on the Sprint Cup Series car, this one set for the sport's biggest track. Plans are to test the vehicle March 16 at Talladega Superspeedway, according to a series spokesman. That test would be in addition to a two-day open session scheduled for March 23-24 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and would be to specifically examine the spoiler's performance on a restrictor-plate track. Four drivers also tested cars outfitted with the spoiler at Texas Motor Speedway earlier this month. (NASCAR.com)

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Drivers test spoiler at Texas Motor Speedway: Tony Stewart, Kurt Busch, Greg Biffle and Brian Vickers became the first drivers to conduct an on-track test with a new aluminum spoiler package that could be implemented for the 2010 season during Tuesday's Goodyear Tire test at Texas Motor Speedway. Stewart was the first of the group to test the spoiler in the morning session, which was delayed nearly two hours from its 9:00am/ct start time due to moisture on the 1.5-mile, high-banked oval from heavy morning dew. The session kicked off at approximately 10:53am/ct with temperatures in the 60s as Stewart rolled out with the wing and less than 40 minutes later was utilizing the spoiler. Vickers also got an opportunity to run the spoiler in the abbreviated morning session. "It (the spoiler) was on a bunch. It didn't seem to be a big balance change which was good," Stewart said. "That means you won't have to invent the wheel necessarily. It was a balance shift, but it wasn't a big balance shift. You've got two kinds of grip  you've got aero grip and you've got mechanical grip. The spoiler is the aero grip and the tires are mechanical. The mechanical grip is real important because it doesn't know if you are running first in line or 10th in line. I'm more of a mechanical guy." "I thought it (spoiler) was good," Vickers said. "I thought it added a little bit of front downforce, which is a good thing. I think it's going to be more accepted to the fans. It looks cooler  a little more retro back to the older car. We haven't been in a lot of traffic yet, so the big question is how it's going to handle in traffic. Theoretically, from what I've been told, the difference between the two is that the spoiler is better in traffic. The spoiler is going to be more efficient in dirty air and a wing will be more efficient in clean air. Once you get in a lot of turbulence, the spoiler's not going to lose a lot of efficiency while a wing really will." NASCAR has not determined the specific dimensions as yet for the spoiler, but the one that was being used as a baseline at Tuesday's session was 64.5 inches wide and four inches in height with no contour in the design. Also, the rear quarter panels were extended four inches toward the ground. NASCAR phased out the traditional spoiler on the rear deck lid of the Sprint Cup Series cars and went to a rear wing when the "Car of Tomorrow" project was unveiled in 2007. The return to the traditional look provides fans with the ability to differentiate between the four manufacturers more easily and hopefully enhance the passing ability of the cars and overall race action. Tuesday's tire test was the first opportunity for drivers to test the package and provide feedback on its effects on the car. Biffle and Busch had to wait until the afternoon session to test out the spoiler, with Busch not getting an opportunity until nearly the culmination of the session. Stewart, Busch, Biffle and Vickers will conclude the Goodyear test Wednesday, where they are scheduled to test the spoiler package once again. NASCAR will conduct another test with the spoiler March 23-24 at Charlotte Motor Speedway  another 1.5- mile oval and sister track to TMS  that will be open to all Sprint Cup teams. If NASCAR is pleased with the progress and performance of the spoiler, the new package could be implemented for the Samsung Mobile 500 scheduled for April 15-18 at Texas Motor Speedway. Following Tuesday's test session, Stewart, Busch, Biffle and Vickers graciously volunteered their time to participate in the "Gear Up For The Green Flag" fan event in the Grand Ballroom of The Speedway Club. A full house of more than 500 season ticket holders and special guests were on hand for a dinner, giveaways and a question-andanswer session with the drivers to officially kick off the upcoming racing season. "This was truly a special treat for our fans and the thanks goes to Tony, Kurt, Greg and Brian for making the time to be part of this event," Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage said. "We had a ton of laughs and shared some entertaining stories to make for a great evening." Tickets for the Samsung Mobile 500/O'Reilly Auto Parts 300 NASCAR doubleheader weekend are available by calling (817) 215-8500 or by visiting the speedway's website at www.texasmotorspeedway.com.(TMS)

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Drivers take part in Goodyear tire test at AMS: Atlanta Motor Speedway's 2010 NASCAR season kicked off at 9:31 am/et on Tuesday when Mark Martin took to the high-banked track to begin two days of tire testing by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. to determine the premier tire for the Kobalt Tools 500 on March 7. Four NASCAR veterans  Martin, Carl Edwards, Sam Hornish, Jr., and Martin Truex, Jr.  are assisting Goodyear with testing at Atlanta Motor Speedway where Martin posted the fastest lap with a time 29.938 (185.183). Martin's time of 29.938 seconds was faster than Truex, Jr.'s qualifying lap of 30.106 (184.149 mph) for September's Pep Boys Auto 500. He nearly matched his pole-winning performance for last March's Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway when he posted a 29.640 (187.045). In addition to Martin's time, Edwards posted a lap of 29.953 seconds (185.102 mph), followed by Truex, Jr. with a 30.009 (184.744) and Hornish, Jr. with a 30.560 (181.413). While most teams are focused on assisting Goodyear, the Atlanta Goodyear Test holds added importance for Truex, Jr., who is participating in his first Goodyear test with his new Michael Waltrip Racing team and with crew chief Pat Tryson. All four drivers will return Wednesday for day two of the test.(AMS PR)

Drivers at Goodyear tire test comment on possible rule changes: With Goodyear tire testing ongoing at Atlanta Motor Speedway for the March 7 Kobalt Tools 500, two NASCAR notables commented on possible changes to the rear wing on NASCAR's COT. Carl Edwards and Alan Gustafson, crew chief for Mark Martin, offered a point-counterpoint debate on the topic in separate interviews during their designated lunch break. Edwards: "I think whatever [NASCAR] can do to take downforce away is great for the sport, great for the racing and good for the fans. Atlanta is one of the last tracks where you can really manhandle a car, drive and slide the car sideways. Taking downforce away will make more tracks like that, which is good." Gustafson: "Aesthetically, I like the spoiler. I grew up watching cars with a spoiler on there. I think it aesthetically makes sense. But I think we just have to be careful; we have refined these cars now to where they drive good with a good aero balance. We can't throw that away for the aesthetics of the spoiler, so we have to make sure performance wise that the aerodynamic balance of the car is similar or better than what we have now."(AMS PR)

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Ten females participating in ARCA test at Daytona: Besides Danica Patrick, there are nine other female drivers at Daytona International Speedway for the ARCA Series test. Leilani Munter, driving the No. 59 Mark Gibson Racing Dodge; along with Alli Owens, Milka Duno, Jennifer Jo Cobb, Michelle Thoriault, Jill George, Alison MacLoud and Amber and Angela Cope.(Daytona Beach News Journal)

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Goodyear completes tire test at Auto Club Speedway: Security at Auto Club Speedway was very tight Tuesday and Wednesday as Goodyear conducted two days of tire testing at the Fontana, CA track. Unlike other tire tests in recent year, the track was off-limits to all (especially the media) from 9:00am until the 4:30pm conclusion. At other tests, drivers often have time for noon interviews, but not this week. One team from each of the four manufacturers participated in the tests. Kasey Kahne was in a RPM Ford for the first time while Brad Keselowski made his first runs in a Penske Racing Dodge. Joe Gibbs Racing's Joey Logano represented Toyota while Richard Childress Racing driver Jeff Burton was in a Chevy. It was difficult to distinguish one model from another as all were in primer gray. Tire testing can be a tedious exercise, but Burton certainly didn't have that attitude. He ran 500 miles on Tuesday and was prepared to run an equal number the following day, a few laps at a time. "We're hoping to help Goodyear get a better tire for Fontana," Burton said. "That's goal No. 1. Hopefully that's something we can learn. We really don't learn much about the race track because Goodyear doesn't want us to change the cars as they are studying the tires. I like testing, it's a real opportunity to learn, a real opportunity to try a lot of stuff. And for the driver, it's an opportunity to also try lots of different things." Since NASCAR implemented its testing ban following the 2008 season, tire tests are the only ones conducted at tracks on the Sprint Cup schedule.(Inland Valley Daily Bulletin)

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Furniture Row test at Pikes Peak: To prepare for another strong Phoenix performance in Sunday's Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway, the Denver, Colo-based Furniture Row No. 78 Chevy team of Regan Smith conducted a test session earlier in the week at the one-mile Pikes Peak International Raceway in Fountain, Colo. "We had another good test session at Pikes Peak," added Smith. "The last time we raced in Phoenix we also tested at Pikes Peak and it was a huge benefit. We're looking for similar results this weekend. We really want to close out the season on a positive note with solid results in Phoenix and at the season finale in Homestead (Nov. 22)." Running a part-time 20-race Sprint Cup schedule in 2009, the Furniture Row team is gearing up to run a full 36-race slate in 2010. "There's a lot of buzz at our Denver race shop right now," offered Smith. "Both the team roster and the shop size are expanding. We all have an upbeat feeling heading into next season. Running all 36 races is going to make us a better team. It's been fun and we're even going to have more fun."(FRR)

Friday, November 6, 2009

Mark Martin likes testing ban: Even though he needs some help to win a championship, Mark Martin is happy to be back as a full-time competitor. "It would have been the biggest mistake of my career to have passed on this opportunity," he said. "I feel very good. I feel fresh and surprised that there's only three (races) left. The people at Hendrick Motorsports have made this a better year for me than I expected. The sponsors have been wonderful to work with, and it's beyond my wildest dreams. One thing is, the testing (ban) has helped enormously. I would not have re-signed for 2010 had the testing been brought back, much less 2011. That's huge. You know, when you're in a bad mood and something happens, it irritates the heck out of you and when you're in a good mood, and the same thing happens and it doesn't bother you. Have you noticed that? Well, that's where I've been there this year. I haven't been tired, burned out, frustrated and all those kinds of things. I'm fresh and enthusiastic and all those kinds of things."(USA Today)

Thursday, November 5, 20009

Results from Goodyear tire test at Daytona: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company brought 17 NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers to the Daytona International Speedway for a test this past Monday and Tuesday for Daytona 500. The goal was to build upon the information gathered during a test at Daytona on September 22-23 and finalize the tire recommendation for next year's Daytona 500.
Participating in this week's test were A.J. Allmendinger, Marcos Ambrose, Kurt Busch, Kyle Busch, Erik Darnell, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Sam Hornish, Matt Kenseth, Brad Keselowski, Sterling Marlin, Jamie McMurray, Paul Menard, Juan Pablo Montoya, David Ragan, David Reutimann, Regan Smith and Scott Speed. The September test featured four teams and provided a baseline from which to start. Goodyear returned this week with a greater number of cars to better simulate race conditions. Cars tend to move around more when running in a big pack at Daytona, which then has an effect on the tires with the highly worn track surface. The highlight of this week's test was three different drafting sessions involving all the cars. The group ran a 25-lap run on Monday afternoon, a 15-lap run early Tuesday morning and a 30-lap run shortly after that. In the Monday session, all the cars were on the same tire set-up. On Tuesday, four different combinations were used throughout the field. One other wrinkle was that the teams integrated a new rear shock package mandated by NASCAR. Overall, Goodyear was pleased with the results. "We're very happy with the results of this week's test," said Greg Stucker, Goodyear's director of race tire sales. "Overall grip and wear was good, and we also improved the appearance of the tire over the course of a run compared with the past. Like always, our engineers will review all the data and finalize the race recommendation for next year's 500 so we can start production. This was a big undertaking, not only for us but for NASCAR and all the teams that made time in their schedules to come down to Daytona and participate. With the large draft runs, we were able to more accurately simulate race conditions."(Goodyear PR)

Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009

Sprint Cup drivers test at Daytona International Speedway: Five NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers wrapped up a two-day Goodyear tire test on Wednesday at Daytona International Speedway. In between rain showers, drivers shook down tires for Goodyear in advance of the 52nd annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 14. "I think the Goodyear tires the last year or two have been pretty competitive," David Ragan said after the first day of testing. "We haven't had any issues with them. It's just a deal where Goodyear tries to fine tune on their tires and combinations to make it right. I'm sure this won't be the last (test) before the Daytona 500 in February." Ragan participated in last September's Goodyear tire test at Daytona while Joey Logano and Marcos Ambrose were among a group of drivers who tested tires in May. "We tried a lot of different tires," Logano said. "I think we had about five or six different ones that we put on, just trying different things that Goodyear has come up with. We had some good ones and some that weren't as good. You pick what you want and I'm sure they'll change a few things. I know they are going to come back here again and do some drafting." The test gave Brad Keselowski his first opportunity to work with his new No. 12 team for the 2010 season. Keselowski, who competes for JR Motorsports in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, will join Penske in 2010 for his first full Sprint Cup Series season.(DIS PR)

Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009

NASCAR announces 2010 testing policy: NASCAR announced its 2010 testing policy for its three national and two regional touring series. The policy will again prohibit testing at tracks which host NASCAR national series events, by teams in the following series: NASCAR Sprint Cup; NASCAR Nationwide; NASCAR Camping World Truck; NASCAR Camping World East; and NASCAR Camping World West. In 2010, however, testing will be allowed at NASCAR-sanctioned tracks that host a regional touring event but do not host a national series event. Based on this season's regional tour schedules, the following tracks would be eligible to host tests next year: Greenville-Pickens Speedway; Tri-County Motor Speedway; South Boston Speedway; Thompson International Speedway; Music City Motorplex; Adirondack International Speedway; Lime Rock Park; Thunder Hill Raceway; All American Speedway; Madera Speedway; Douglas County Speedway; Toyota Speedway at Irwindale; Portland International Raceway; Miller Motorsports Park; Colorado National Speedway.(NASCAR PR)ad to be compensated for during the race. Consequently, the car measured low during post-race inspection. We accept NASCAR's ruling on the issue today."(JGR PR)

Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009

NASCAR: No major rule changes expected in 2010: NASCAR officials told Sprint Cup crew chiefs Saturday morning at New Hampshire Motor Speedway that the moratorium on testing at sanctioned tracks is expected to extend through the 2010 season. In an attempt to cut costs, NASCAR announced last November that instead of having official NASCAR scheduled tests throughout the year, there would be a one-year moratorium on series-wide testing and teams also would be prohibited from testing at any track that sanctioned a race in the NASCAR Sprint Cup, Nationwide, Camping World Truck and East and West series. Previously, teams could not test on their own at tracks of the series they competed in. In a meeting with crew chiefs Saturday morning at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, NASCAR officials said teams should not expect any major rule changes for 2010, including no change to the current testing moratorium, sources familiar with the meeting said.(SceneDaily.com)

Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009

NASCAR testing at Dover: Several drivers from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series are at Dover International Speedway on track as part of a Goodyear tire test on August 4 and 5 in preparation for the upcoming Sept. 25-27, 2009 "Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup" race weekend. Participating drivers include: Johnson, Montoya, Ambrose, Busch, Stremme, Ragan, Labonte and Allmendinger. Truck Series drivers testing: Skinner and Braun. This is a closed test session and fans are not permitted in the outdoor grandstand or inside the track.(Dover International Speedway)

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Goodyear tire test at Indy: Goodyear appears to have resolved some of the problems that plagued last year's Allstate 400 in Indianapolis. Nine cars made it onto the track for testing Monday. Kyle Busch's No. 18 car did the most consecutive laps with 17 early in the afternoon. During last year's Allstate 400, tire problems forced race officials to call competition cautions every 10 to 12 laps. It's the third time Goodyear has returned to Indy for testing this year. Two cars reportedly ran 30 consecutive laps before running out of fuel at a previous session. Goodyear has one more test session Tuesday.(Associated Press)

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Cup drivers test at Infineon: Sprint Cup Series drivers Joey Logano, David Reutimann, David Ragan and Max Papis completed a two-day test session at Infineon Raceway on Wednesday to hone their skills on the challenging 10-turn, 1.99-mile road course. The drivers came to the track in preparation for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend, June 19-21 (Father’s Day weekend). Logano was coached by road-course veteran Chris Cook, who has also worked with NASCAR drivers Johnny Sauter and Los Gatos’ AJ Allmendinger. Logano will pull double-duty in Sonoma, competing in the Bennett Lane Winery 200, presented by Supercuts, NASCAR Camping World West Series, as well as the Toyota/Save Mart 350. Papis tested and also helped coach Reutimann and Ragan. The drivers all piloted late model stock cars supplied by Pioneer Motorsports out of Lake Oroville in Northern California. “Even if we drove a rental car out here it would help,” said Ragan. “I just needed to get back into the rhythm of turning left and right.”(Infineon Raceway)

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Goodyear tire testing at Indy: The process for Goodyear to determine the tire combination for the Brickyard 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race continued this week at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. With weather and track conditions very near what is expected for the July 26-28 event, more than 1,200 laps of testing was completed with all results indicating they are on target to finalize that recommendation. Goodyear brought nine teams to the Speedway for on-track sessions on Monday and Tuesday, while rain rolled through the area on Wednesday, cancelling the third day of the scheduled test. Drivers and teams that participated were: Greg Biffle, Jeff Burton, Patrick Carpentier, Bill Elliott, Robby Gordon, Kasey Kahne, Juan Pablo Montoya Tony Stewart and David Stremme. Throughout the test,several cars were able to make runs of more than 30 laps, with some even running out of fuel on the track. A fuel stop at the two-and-a-half-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway is estimated at 32 laps. (Goodyear PR)

Friday, May 8, 2009

Sorenson completes testing at Infineon: NASCAR driver Reed Sorenson visited Infineon Raceway on Wednesday to hone his skills on the challenging 10-turn, 1.99-mile road course. Sorenson came to the track for the one-day test session in preparation for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series weekend, June 19-21 (Father’s Day). Sorenson has competed twice on the challenging road course (2006, 2007), with a best finish of 29th in 2006. He was joined by his crew chief, Mike Shiplett, at the test. “This is my favorite of the two road courses we visit because it’s more technical. We don’t run as fast, but it’s fun to race here,” said Sorenson. “There are a few places where we can get better on the track. I have to learn not to go too fast.”(Infineon Raceway PR)

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Rain hampers Goodyear tire testing at Indy: Rain again disrupted a Goodyear test today at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but once the track dried shortly after noon, four NASCAR teams were able to get in nearly six hours of tire testing. The purpose of the one-day session, which was a continuation of last week's rain-plagued test, was to settle on the tire compound Goodyear will bring to a final test June 15-16. That session will involve about a dozen teams as Goodyear works to avoid the embarrassing problems that marred last year's Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. (Indy Star)

Friday, April 24, 2009

Goodyear to return to Indy next Wednesday to continue tire test: Goodyear will go back to Indy on Wednesday to continue the tire test from this past week when rain kept teams off the track most of the time. Reed Sorenson, Matt Kenseth, Brian Vickers and Ryan Newman tested this past week. The plan is to try to get all four back for this week's test. (Goodyear has further tests scheduled, including a test in mid-June that could have a dozen or so teams) (The Virginian-Pilot)

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Rain forces Goodyear tire testing into Wednesday: Richard Petty Motorsports driver Reed Sorenson says that Goodyear officials will extend their Indianapolis Motor Speedway tire test into Wednesday for four drivers because of rain that has continually interrupted their efforts. Sorenson, Roush Fenway Racing's Matt Kenseth, Stewart-Haas Racing's Ryan Newman and Red Bull Racing's Brian Vickers began testing tires at the track Monday as Goodyear officials work to find a better tire for this season's NASCAR Sprint Cup race at the track after a 2008 event in which drivers had to pit regularly because of issues with tire wear. "It has been wet,” Sorenson said Tuesday during a national teleconference with reporters. “It seems like every time we get out on the track and get running a little bit it seems to rain." (SceneDaily.com)

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Which NASCAR rookie drivers are testing? Joey Logano spent Tuesday testing in Rockingham, N.C., after about six hours at Virginia International Raceway on Monday. Any extra time at tracks that resemble Cup tracks helps. He’s also tested at New Smyrna Speedway in Florida. A testing overhaul isn’t Red Bull Racing’s strategy. Scott Speed spent Tuesday hanging out at Sea World in Orlando, getting spit at by a Beluga whale. The No. 82 Red Bull Toyota team, he said, hasn’t done any testing at non-NASCAR sanctioned tracks, and doesn’t think that would help. The tracks, he said, are much too different. (Boston Herald)

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Kahne and Setzer to test at Motor Mile: The Goody’s Fast Pain Relief 500 at Martinsville Speedway is slated for March 29, 2009. In hopes of finding success at Martinsville on that Sunday, two Sprint Cup teams participated in a test this past Tuesday at Motor Mile Speedway. In attendance on this particular Tuesday were Kasey Kahne, driver of Richard Petty Motorsports’ no. 9 Budweiser Dodge, and the no. 46 Romeo Guest sponsored Dodge, owned by Carl Long and driven by Dennis Setzer. It was Kahne’s first outing at the .416-mile oval. For veteran driver Dennis Setzer, the asphalt corners of MMS have become as familiar as the finish line at Martinsville. (MotorMileSpeedway.com)

Friday, March 13, 2009

Goodyear tire testing at LMS: Goodyear is scheduled to hold a tire test at Lowe's Motor Speedway with four NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams representing each of the series manufacturers next week in preparation for the track's May races, including the 25th NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 16, and the 50th running of the Coca-Cola 600 on May 24. Drivers scheduled to test at No. 9-Kasey Kahne (Dodge), No. 48-Jimmie Johnson (Chevy), No. 47-Marcos Ambrose (Toyota) and No. 98-Paul Menard. During both days of the Goodyear tire test, Lowe's Motor Speedway's frontstretch grandstand will be open free of charge from 9am - 5pm and fans should enter through Gate 5A, located next to the main ticket office. Additionally, NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and Coca-Cola 600 ticket holders will have access to an infield grandstand on Wednesday, March 18, from 10am to 5pm, and can participate in a special fan forum featuring all four drivers from 12 - 1pm. Ticket holders for Lowe's Motor Speedway's May Cup races will need to check in at the speedway's ticket office to receive verification of their ticket purchase before entering the infield at Gate 26.(LMS PR)

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Goodyear tire testing at Darlington: Darlington Raceway was the site of the latest Goodyear tire test today with four teams, one from each manufacturer that competes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, taking to the track. #96-Bobby Labonte, #29-Kevin Harvick, #19-Elliott Sadler and #11-Denny Hamlin began testing Tuesday afternoon with Goodyear engineers on the two-year old surface at Darlington. All four drivers gave the track good reviews and talked about the importance of winning at Darlington Raceway.
“Well obviously this is a very historic race track that we go to,” said Kevin Harvick. “It still has a lot of the characteristics that it’s had for a number of years so to come here and race as a driver in NASCAR, I think that’s something special to everyone in the garage. This is an exciting place for us to race at and to win would be really cool. We’ve been close a couple of times and it would be nice to finally win one.”
“This is a place I got to come to as a kid and watch races because it is not far from where I grew up so to come here and have a chance to win this race is a dream come true,” said Elliott Sadler. “I love that we race here, I’m glad it’s a night race, it’s a great event for us and since we only come here once a year we put a lot of effort into running well here because Darlington is still a huge cornerstone in our sport and represents where we’ve been and how far we’ve come.”
“They repaved the track last year and you hated to see it in one way but they did a great job and it’s still the same Darlington,” said 2000 Southern 500 winner Bobby Labonte. “Speeds have picked up, the surface is smoother but the racing is still great and it still means the same thing to win here.”
“Darlington is a great racetrack for me, I always run well here,” said Denny Hamlin who has won twice at Darlington in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. “It’s a great race track, I love running here and it’s got so much history. You hated to see it get paved but they did a great job doing it and it still promotes great racing. It’s a great track with great history and you love to win here no matter what car you are in.”
Tickets can be purchased by calling the Darlington Raceway ticket office at 866-459-RACE or online at DarlingtonRaceway.com.(Darlington Raceway PR)

Monday, March 9, 2009

Goodyear Tire testing at Darlington Raceway: No. 11-Denny Hamlin (Toyota), no. 29-Kevin Harvick (Chevy), No. 96-Bobby Labonte (Ford) and No. 19-Elliott Sadler (Dodge) are scheduled to be at Darlington Raceway participating in a Goodyear tire test on Wednesday, March 11 in preparation for the Southern 500 on May 9th in which tickets can be purchased by calling the Darlington Raceway ticket office at 866-459-RACE or online at darlingtonraceway.com (Darlington Raceway PR)

Friday, March 6, 2009

More teams testing at the "Little Rock": The sound of thunder returned to the Rockingham Speedway nearly a year ago. Now the booming noise is coming from a new source. Track owner Andy Hillenburg added a half-mile oval behind the Speedway dubbed “Little Rock” which he hopes to use for racing by 2011. Right now, the small track is being used by nearly all the NASCAR Sprint Cup teams for testing because it is similar to the Martinsville Speedway, where the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers will battle on March 29. Even though the Martinsville race is more than three weeks away, several teams have scheduled practice time at “Little Rock.” (Richmond County Daily Journal)

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Indy tire testing planned for April and June: Goodyear plans to test twice more at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The tire company had three tests at that track last fall after the disastrous race there last year in which tires wore out within a few laps. One test is scheduled for April and will likely have three or four cars. The other test is expected to be held sometime in June and could be open to several more Cup teams. (Virginian Pilot)

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