The Final Lap – NASCAR News, Radio, Podcast

Day Three: NASCAR Preseason Thunder At Daytona International Speedway
NASCAR And Teams Continue Data Collection On Final Day Of Testing

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 14, 2012) — As the final day of Preseason Thunder wrapped, there was certainly no shortage of information NASCAR and the teams gathered during this three-day test as speeds continued to stand close to the 200-mph mark.

Kasey Kahne led the morning session with a speed of 201.545 mph, with Hendrick Motorsports teammates Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Jimmie Johnson also posting times near the top of the charts.

Read more…

Combined Times Day 2
Rank Car No. Driver Manu. Time Speed Session
1 51 Kurt Busch Chv 43.677 206.058 D2PM
2 78 Regan Smith Chv 43.678 206.053 D2PM
3 18 Kyle Busch Tyt 43.729 205.813 D2PM
4 24 Jeff Gordon Chv 43.743 205.747 D2PM
5 5 Kasey Kahne Chv 43.743 205.747 D2PM
6 27 Paul Menard Chv 43.881 205.100 D2PM
7 29 Kevin Harvick Chv 43.882 205.095 D2PM
8 11 Denny Hamlin Tyt 43.903 204.997 D2PM
9 56 Martin Truex Jr. Tyt 43.941 204.820 D2PM
10 15 Clint Bowyer Tyt 43.944 204.806 D2PM

Preseason Thunder Test is Jan. 12-13-14 at Daytona International Speedway

Final preparations for 2012 Speedweeks, in particular, the running of the 54th annual Daytona 500 – Sunday, Feb. 26

Rules package is a result of information gathered during recent tests at Talladega (October) and Daytona (November)

Rules package includes:

Smaller radiator – Maximum of 2 gallon capacity
Smaller overflow tank – Maximum capacity of ½ gallon
Radiator inlet is moved up closer into the front center bumper area
Rate reduction in the springs – softer springs
Smaller rear spoiler
Base line restrictor plate of 29/32 inch (1/64 inch larger than plate size for the 2011 Daytona 500)