The Final Lap with Kerry Murphey

Day Two: NASCAR Preseason Thunder At Daytona International Speedway
Second Day Features Adjustments To Rules Package

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 13, 2012) — As with any test, especially one as important as 2012 Preseason Thunder at Daytona, getting it right and being open to make adjustments is key.

After the late afternoon practice session on Thursday, NASCAR announced changes for today’s test session with an increase in the diameter of restrictor-plate openings from 1/32nd of an inch to 15/16ths inches, adding an estimated 26 horsepower to the engines.

In addition, they lowered the pressure relief valve settings from 30 pounds per square inch to 25 psi and narrowed the grille openings of the cars, thereby decreasing airflow to the engine. Both measures were designed to decrease the number of laps one car can push another without overheating.

Read more…

FYI WIRZ: NASCAR’s top Chasers ready to catch a win at Loudon

The Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire presented by the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the second of the 10-race playoffs—The Chase for the Sprint Cup.

Author: Dwight Drum racetake.com

Fans not in the stands can view the race on the 1.058-mile oval at 2.p.m. Sunday on ESPN.

When NASCAR reset the points this time for the Chase, the new point system which is stingy with numbers seemed to have a meager effect on the top 12 positions. Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick landed at the top each with four wins in the regular season. Jeff Gordon with two wins in third place was only three points out and the last place held by Denny Hamlin with one win was only 12 points back.

Ryan Newman summed up the numbers.

Read more…

Brad has been pretty active on his Twitter account today (@Keselowski), after this vicious crash testing at Road Atlanta. This photo was posted as part of an exchange with Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) on Twitter.

Related Links: http://twitpic.com/60h7qo
Brad Keselowski on Twitter @Keselowski
Jimmie Johnson on Twitter @JimmieJohnson
The Final Lap on Twitter @thefinallap