The Final Lap – NASCAR News, Radio, Podcast

PHOTO CREDIT: NASCAR MEDIA (USED WITH PERMISSION)

BROOKLYN, Mich. (April 4, 2012) – NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers Matt Kenseth, Jeff Gordon, Brad Keselowski, Juan Pablo Montoya and Kyle Busch concluded Goodyear Tire testing at Michigan International Speedway on Wednesday. The session was the second day for the test.

Speeds were very quick. Montoya said minimum speed was 189 mph, but cars were going above 215 in the straightaways.

The test is a result of the track’s repave, finished last November. This was the fourth repave – 1977, 1986 and 1995.

PHOTO CREDIT: Todd Davis, LAT USA

PHOTO CREDIT: NASCARMEDIA (USED WITH PERMISSION)

PHOTO CREDIT: NASCARMEDIA

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

NASCAR Sprint Cup Teams Test At Daytona International Speedway
Teams Run Different Rear Spoiler Sizes To Help Determine Solid Baseline Aerodynamic Package For 2012 Preseason Thunder Test At DIS

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 15, 2011) — Seven NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams turned laps at the high banks of Daytona International Speedway Tuesday, seeking the best baseline aerodynamic package for next January’s Preseason Thunder Test at “The World Center of Racing.”

Teams participating in Tuesday’s test included Hendrick Motorsports (Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Aric Almirola); Roush Fenway Racing (David Ragan and Marcos Ambrose); Joe Gibbs Racing (Joey Logano); Michael Waltrip Racing (Martin Truex Jr.); and NEMCO Motorsports (Joe Nemechek).

After the track was dried following an early morning rain shower, teams first got on the track at 11:45 a.m. The initial restrictor plate size was 29/32 inch and the initial spoiler size was 4 ½ inches tall, 63 inches wide, which was the same spoiler size for last July’s NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race at Daytona. By day’s end, the size of the rear spoiler had been reduced to 3 inches tall by 62 inches wide. The smaller spoiler results in less down force and drag, but still allows the cars to maintain high speeds and remain under control.

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Race fans eager to see the stars of NASCAR take on Phoenix International Raceway’s newly repaved and reconfigured 1-mile oval will have their first opportunity to do so during a Sprint Cup Series testing session at PIR on Tuesday, October 4. Gates will open at 8 a.m. for this very special fan event and the public testing session will run until 5 p.m. A subsequent day of NASCAR testing on October 5 will be open to media, but closed to the general public.

Phoenix International Raceway’s free fan event during the October 4 test will offer general admission seating in the Bryan Grandstand and infield viewing for patrons to take in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series garage activities. In addition, Sprint Cup Series star Kyle Busch – driver of the No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota – will participate in a moderated fan Q&A session during the October 4 event. Fans may submit their questions for Busch at Facebook.com/PhoenixRaceway.

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Goodyear wrapped up tire testing at Phoenix International Raceway on Monday and Tuesday. Jimmie Johnson, Carl Edwards, Tony Stewart, Kurt Busch and Kyle Busch were all on hand testing the rubber on the new racing surface. Kurt said like a roller coaster, you drive up the banking off of Turn 2 and then you drop down. It’s a nice, light feeling when you get up top – a really interesting back straightaway. I’m also glad they kept many of the old, signature characteristics of Phoenix.”
Teams will head to phoenix for an official NASCAR Test on October 4th

PHOTO CREDIT: NASCARMEDIA