2003 CUP TESTING NEWS
- More Rockingham Testing today: The following drivers will be at North Carolina Speedway Wednesday, October 29 testing for the upcoming NASCAR weekend November 7 - 9, 2003:
Cup: #8-Dale Earnhardt, Jr.; #15-Michael Waltrip; #18-Bobby Labonte; #9-Bill Elliott; #45-Kyle Petty;
Busch: #8-Martin Truex, Jr.; #05-Eric McClure; and #79-Elton Sawyer [Evernham Busch car?]
Grandstand gates are open 9:00am to 4:00pm/et and the general public is invited to view the test session from the grandstand.(North Carolina Speedway PR)(10-29-2003)
- Testing at the Rock UPDATE: The following drivers will be at North Carolina Speedway Tuesday, October 28th testing for the upcoming NASCAR weekend November 7 - 9, 2003. Cup drivers #25-Brian Vickers and #43-Jeff Green; Busch Series #7-Kyle Busch, #75-Jay Sauter and #2-Ron Hornaday. Grandstand gates are open 9:00am to 4:00pm/et and the general public is invited to view the test session from the grandstand.(North Carolina Speedway PR), supposedly Evernham Motorsports will test too.(10-28-2003)
UPDATE: Eric McClure will test Rockingham Tuesday and Wednesday in a Morgan-McClure prepared Busch car for his upcoming Busch Series debut. MMM veteran Robert Larkins is overseeing the 24-year old's efforts in the #05 "I CAN Learn" Chevrolet Monte Carlo.(10-28-2003)
- Testing at Phoenix: Once again, Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) testing was done under record-breaking temperatures. On Tuesday, a new record was set at 103. Wednesday, drivers ran with temperatures hovering near 102 degrees. Still, most teams found themselves running faster testing times than last year. While official times weren't kept by PIR, cars were clocked around 27.5 seconds [130.909mph] on some of the late morning and early afternoon runs. Drivers testing were #31-Robby Gordon, #16-Greg Biffle, #25-Brian Vickers and #24-Jeff Gordon.
Ticket sales have been hot for the Checker Auto Parts 500 NASCAR Weekend at Phoenix International Raceway in two weeks. There are a limited number of very good seats remaining for all four races over the weekend, and they can be purchased by calling the PIR Ticket Office (602) 252-2227, 1-800-PIT-SHOP or via the internet at www.phoenixraceway.com.(10-23-2003)
- Kentucky Testing; Kahne to test for Evernham? UPDATE and no Kahne spotted: On Tuesday, October 21st, #99-Jeff Burton will test at Kentucky Speedway. On Wednesday, October 22nd, #19-Jeremy Mayfield and #9-Bill Elliott, #48-Jimmie Johnson and #0-Ward Burton will test.(Kentucky Speedway site)
also hearing that Kasey Kahne will test an Evernham Motorsports Dodge there Tuesday or Wednesday.(10-21-2003)
UPDATE: Ward Burton and his new #0 Netzero Pontiac team continued their new beginning with a one-day test at Kentucky Speedway today. Burton joins Haas CNC Racing after ending a seven-season relationship with Bill Davis Racing just two days ago. Davis helped Burton earned two of his five career wins last season, including the Daytona 500 title. Today’s test is Burton’s second with Crew Chief Tony Furr. The veteran driver said the more the team works together, the more confidence it builds. Fellow circuit drivers #48-Jimmie Johnson, #19-Jeremy Mayfield and #9-Bill Elliott also tested at the track. No speeds were reported.(Kentucky Speedway site), also been told Kasey Kahne was NOT at the track nor testing for Evernham Motorsports.(10-23-2003)
- Wallace Testing? AND: hearing #2-Rusty Wallace is testing at Gateway International Raceway in Madison, Ill. on Tuesday and Wednesday in preparation for the race at Phoenix International Raceway.(10-21-2003)
AND heard this was in conjunction with a "Season Ticket Holder" appreciation party held on Tuesday, 21 Oct 2003. Wallace ran laps while season ticket holders at Gateway watched from the stands. There was a Autograph session following the laps, and Wallace stayed until he had signed autographs for everybody who wanted them. Free food and drinks were also provided, as well as a special sale of leftover souvenirs from 2003. Track GM Matt Strelo had a Q&A session with Season Ticket Holders, briefed them on plans for 2004, and gave away prizes, including two tickets to the 2004 Daytona 500. The Track will be open on to the public on Wed for more of Wallace's practice.(10-22-2003)
- Kentucky Testing; Kahne to test for Evernham?: On Tuesday, October 21st, #99-Jeff Burton will test at Kentucky Speedway. On Wednesday, October 22nd, #19-Jeremy Mayfield and #9-Bill Elliott, #48-Jimmie Johnson and #0-Ward Burton will test.(Kentucky Speedway site)
also hearing that Kasey Kahne will test an Evernham Motorsports Dodge there Tuesday or Wednesday.(10-21-2003)
- Testing at Phoenix UPDATE: no speeds or official report, but hear that #29-Kevin Harvick, #20-Tony Stewart and #19-Jermey Mayfield tested at Phoenix Intel Raceway this week.(10-16-2003)
UPDATE: With more than $10 million in track improvements completed at Phoenix International Raceway, the first wave of NASCAR Winston Cup and Busch Series drivers tested the newly remodeled one-mile oval, and were impressed with changes. On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Kevin Harvick, Jeremy Mayfield, Tony Sewart, Sterling Marlin, Scott Wimmer and Casey Mears, put the track to the test. Changes at the track include the widening of turn two from 48' to 60' and the addition of an infield tunnel under turn four for teams, medical personnel and fans with infield access. The change in turn two begins at the center of the turn and continues into the entrace of turn three.
With temperatures near 100 degrees during the three days of testing, most teams found themselves running faster testing times than last
year. The Busch Series cars averaged testing times of about 28.4 (126 mph). The track record is 27.233 sec. (132.193 mph) set last year by Greg Biffle. Cup cars were around 27.9 (129 mph) on Tuesday and 27.1 on Wednesday (132.841 mph). The track record is 26.830 sec. (134.18 mph) was set by Rusty Wallace in 2000.
Next Tuesday and Wednesday, Jeff Gordon, Robbie Gordon, Joe Nemechek, Greg Biffle and Brian Vickers will be testing their machines on the re-configured one mile oval. For tickets or more information call the PIR Ticket Office at 602.252.2227.(PIR PR)(10-17-2003)
- Wednesday Testing at Atlanta - Ward fast: Winston Cup Series driver Ward Burton spent a second day testing at Atlanta Motor Speedway, preparing for his inaugural run in the #0 Netzero HiSpeed Pontiac for the Oct. 26 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500. After turning his first laps in the car Tuesday, Burton and his new crew spent Wednesday looking for more speed. They found it, gaining .35 of
a second to turn a fast lap Wednesday in 29.48 seconds, or 188.060mph. Burton began the season with Bill Davis Racing but was announced this week as the new full-time driver for Haas Carter’s # 0 machine, beginning with the Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Busch Series driver Mike Bliss also continued to test on Wednesday, besting his Tuesday speeds by almost five miles an hour. His fastest lap was clocked at 186.353 mph (29.75 seconds).
Tickets are still available for all three days of racing action during the Oct. 24-26 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 Weekend. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at (770) 946-4211 or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.(Atlanta Motor Speedway PR)(10-16-2003)
- Testing at the Rock: #5-Terry Labonte is testing at North Carolina Speedway Wednesday, October 15 for the upcoming
NASCAR weekend November 7 - 9, 2003. Grandstands are open and the public is ivnvitied to attend.(North Carolina Speedway PR)(10-15-2003)
- BAM Testing: #49 BAM Racing and Ken Schrader are testing today at Greenville Pickens Speedway in SC.(10-15-2003)
- Phoenix testing nest week: Robby Gordon and the #31 Cingular Wireless team are scheduled to test at Phoenix on Oct. 21 and 22.(10-15-2003)
- Tuesday Testing at Atlanta - Hamilton Jr. fastest again: NASCAR Busch series regular and occasional Winston Cup driver Bobby Hamilton Jr. led the speed chart Tuesday at Atlanta Motor Speedway as 13 drivers and teams prepared for the Oct. 24-26 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 weekend. Hamilton Jr. turned a lap of 189.473mph, the fastest of this week's two-day test session. Hamilton will run both races next weekend, the Oct. 25 Aaron's 312 Busch Series race and the Oct. 26 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500. Other Winston Cup drivers testing Tuesday included Winston Cup drivers #0-Ward Burton and #09-Mike Wallace.
Car#, Driver, MPH
#35-Bobby Hamilton Jr., 189.473
#8-Hank Parker Jr., 186.604
#0-Ward Burton, 185.853
#5-Brian Vickers, 184.677
#87-Kyle Busch, 183.515
#20-Mike Bliss, 181.532
#79-Billy Bigley Jr., 181.117
#6-Paul Wolfe, 180.645
#09-Mike Wallace, 180.175
#2-Ron Hornaday, 179.417
#46-Ashton Lewis Jr., 178.723
#09-David Stremme, 178.551
#51-Jeremy Clements, 169.128
Tickets are still available for all three days of racing action during the Oct. 24-26 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 Weekend. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at (770) 946-4211 or visit www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.(Atlanta Motor Speedway PR)(10-14-2003)
- Monday Testing at Atlanta - Hamilton Jr. fastest: Eight NASCAR drivers made laps Monday on the high-banked 1.54-mile oval at Atlanta Motor Speedway, preparing for the Oct. 24-26 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 Weekend. #35-Bobby Hamilton Jr. was the fastest in the Team Rensi Ford with a speed of 187.551mph. “We were fast out of the box, even in a race setup mostly leftover from Kansas,” Hamilton said. “It’s given us a chance to just have a fun, relaxing day and tinker around and just try some things we’ve been thinking about.” Hamilton will be running both the Oct. 25 Aaron’s 312 Busch race and the Oct. 26 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500, a natural since Atlanta is one of his favorite tracks. #87-Kyle Busch was the fastest Busch driver at 185.047mph. Mike Wallace tested the #1 Yellow Transportation Dodge at 180.881mph, regular driver David Stremme was there watching Wallace and learning. “This place doesn’t seem like the fastest track on the circuit unless you get loose or come to a fast stop,” Wallace said. “But when you do either of those things, you automatically know it’s the fastest track.” Wallace also tested the #09 Miccosukee Indian Gaming Dodge that he will run at Atlanta in the Cup race. Another Cup team testing was #79-Billy Bigley at 177.285. Other's testing
were Busch drivers #5-Brian Vickers at 184.064, #2-Ron Hornaday at 182.549, #8-Hank Parker Jr. at 180.528, #46-Ashton Lewis at 180.528. Tickets are still available for all three days of racing action during the Oct. 24-26 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 Weekend. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at (770) 946-4211.(Atlanta Motor Speedway PR)(10-13-2003)
- Testing at Martinsville Tuesday: Eight Winston Cup drivers testing at Martinsville Speedway Tuesday. Testing at the .526-mile oval Wednesday were #97-Kurt Busch, #45-Kyle Petty, #0-Jason Leffler, #14-Larry Foyt, #4-Kevin LePage, and #22-Scott Wimmer in the Bill Davis Caterpillar Dodge usually driven by Ward Burton. #12-Ryan Newman tested Monday and Tuesday but will not return Wednesday. Scott Wimmer was the surprise of the day … not his speed, but that he was in the Bill Davis Dodge normally driven by Ward Burton. But he said that no one should read anything into the fact he was in his teammate’s car for the test, even though Burton was not onsite. Testing resumes Wednesday at Martinsville Speedway at 9 a.m. Spectator gates open at 9 a.m. with no charge to the public.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(10-8-2003)
- Martinsville Testing this week: Several teams are scheduled to test at Martinsville Speedway this week in preparation for the Oct.19 Subway 500 race there. #12-Ryan Newman is scheduled to test today and Tuesday. Series points leader #17-Matt Kenseth, #97-Kurt Busch, #45-Kyle Petty, #57-Jason Leffler [Busch team], #77-Dave Blaney, #14/50-rookie Larry Foyt and Andy Petree [#33 Truck team] are scheduled to test Tuesday and Wednesday.(Roanoke Times)(10-6-2003)
- Testing at Atlanta UPDATE Speeds: Less than 12 hours after leaving Talladega, Waltrip was at Atlanta Motor Speedway, testing his #15 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet in preparation for the Oct. 26 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500. Also testing Monday was Georgia native Buckshot Jones, who will drive the #00 Aaron's car for Waltrip in the Oct. 26 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500. Waltrip's fastest lap was 185.666mph), Jones' quick lap was 185.109mph. Busch Series racer David Green, who is fourth in points, also tested. His fastest lap was 180.293mph. Waltrip is running both the Oct. 25 Aaron's 312 Busch race and the Oct. 26 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 Winston Cup race. All three drivers will continue testing Tuesday at Atlanta Motor Speedway in preparation for the Oct. 24-26 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 weekend. Tickets are still available for all three days of racing action by calling the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office at (770) 946-4211.(Atlanta Motor Speedway PR)(9-30-2003)
UPDATE: NASCAR Winston Cup veteran Michael Waltrip led the speed chart Tuesday at Atlanta, caught on the unofficial stopwatches at an average speed of 191.701 around the 1.54-mile superspeedway. Waltrip also tested his #99 Aaron's Dream Machine -- turning a lap in 182.129mph. Georgia native Buckshot Jones also turned laps Tuesday, trying to get comfortable in his #00 Aaron's Dream Machine Chevrolet. Jones, driving a car owned by Waltrip, ran a speed of 181.711mph. Busch Series title contender David Green had the second fastest time of the day at 183.333mph in the #37 Brewco Motorsports Pontiac [Busch](Atlanta Motor Speedway PR)(10-1-2003)
- Testing at Kentucky: #38-Elliott Sadler will test at Kentucky Speedway today and plans to race at Kansas Speedway this weekend.(FSN's Totally NASCAR)(9-30-2003)
UPDATE: Elliott Sadler rebounded from his wild Sept. 28 ride at Talladega with a one-day test at Kentucky Speedway today. Sadler shook down two new M&M’s Fords in preparation for this weekend’s race at Kansas while Crew Chief Todd Parrott commented on his driver’s physical condition and the spectacular incident that sent the #38 airborne and flipping down the Talladega backstretch. “He’s (Sadler) doing fine,” Parrott said. “Sunday night he called me and said the CAT Scan and everything came back negative and he felt fine. He had a heck of a headache, but other than that, he had no broken bones and everything was good. He came by the shop yesterday a bunch of times and we were shocked that he felt as well as he did. It goes to show you how ready these guys are to prepare a car. He went through one of the wildest rides I’ve ever seen at Daytona or Talladega, and I’ve seen some wild ones.” Parrott credits Sadler’s health to NASCAR safety measures. “The inside of the car and the driver’s cocoon are probably the most unscathed parts of the racecar. Everything did its job,” Parrott said. “He was awake for the whole ride. He kept telling himself, ‘don’t black out, don’t black out, don’t black out.’ He’s having a good test here today.”(Kentucky Speedway) and on my #38 Team News and Links page for Elliott Sadler Speaks About Talladega Wreck.(10-1-2003)
- Testing at Atlanta Next Week: The NASCAR drivers will descend on Atlanta Motor Speedway next week, ready to start testing for the Oct. 24-26 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500. Cup [#15] and Busch [#99] driver Michael Waltrip, NASCAR Busch Series driver #37-David Green and Georgia native #00-Buckshot Jones will all be on hand next Monday and Tuesday, testing their cars. Waltrip's test will serve a dual purpose, as he will be competing in both the Oct. 25 Aaron's 312 and the Oct. 26 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500. Jones will be testing a Waltrip-owned car also sponsored by Aaron's for the Oct. 26 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500. Jones also tested the car last October, hoping to make his return to Winston Cup in the machine. Qualifying was rained out, however, and with no owner points, Jones was left out of the field. Busch driver David Green will be at Atlanta to test his car for the Aaron's 312 Busch race. Great seats are still available, with three-day ticket packages starting at just $69, from the ticket office at (770) 946-4211. The two-day test session is closed to the public.(AMS PR)(9-26-2003)
- Testing at Kansas: hearing #49-Ken Schrader and #35-Bobby Hamilton Jr. are testing Cup cars at Kansas Speedway in preparation for the Oct 5th Banquet 400. Also testing at Kansas this week is #88-Dale Jarrett on Wednesday and Thursday and #40-Sterling Marlin on Tuesday and Wednesday at Kansas.(9-23-2003)
UPDATE: also been told that #97-Kurt Busch, #21-Ricky Rudd, and #2-Rusty Wallace were testing at Kansas also.(9-26-2003)
- Testing at Kentucky: #12-Ryan Newman and #48-Jimmie Johnson are scheduled to test at Kentucky Speedway on Wednesday, Sept. 24. Teams will be on the track at approximately 9:00 a.m. and are expected to test for the remainder of the day. Other drivers on the docket include #79-Billy Bigley, Jr., #?-Tom Hubert [probably Bill Davis Racing], #?-Damon Lusk and ?#91-Hank Parker, Jr. Fans can view testing outside the speedway Fan Center located in Turn 3.(Kentucky Speedway PR) AND #32-Ricy Craven and the Tide team will spend Wednesday, Sept. 24, testing at Kentucky Speedway. The main purpose of the test is to give driver
Ricky Craven a chance to "shake down" two different cars and decide which one PPI Motorsports will use as its primary in the upcoming
NASCAR Winston Cup (NWC) event at Kansas Speedway. In addition, the team will work on gathering information that can be used at several of the 1.5-mile facilities the NWC Series will visit during the remainder of the season.(PPI Motorsports PR)(9-23-2003)
- Buckshot to test at Talladega and Atlanta: hearing that Buckshot Jones will be testing at Talladega today and Wednesday in Michael Waltrip's #00 Chevy AND that Jones will also test a Michael Waltrip Chevy at Atlanta on Monday, Sept 29th and Wed Sept 30th, Aaron's will sponsor Jones in the car at Atlanta.(9-16-2003)
- Testing at Kentucky: #21-Ricky Rudd, #6-Mark Martin and #99-Jeff Burton are testing today at Kentucky Speedway. "Our weak point is the intermediate, 'Kentucky-size' tracks. What I foresee happening the rest of the year is a lot of ˜hit-and-miss.' We'll be doing a lot of experimenting because we don't have a lot to lose. One thing I'm sure of, by the time we get to the end of the season on ˜Charlotte-size' tracks, we'll be a lot better off", Rudd stated(Kentucky Speedway PR)(9-16-2003)
- Testing at Talladega this week: #60-David Green was part of a two-day test at Talladega Superspeedway on Monday and Tuesday along with #80-Mike Bliss with Joe Gibbs Racing, #75-John Andretti with Richard Childress Racing, Jason Jarrett with Robert Yates Racing and Tom Hubert with Bill Davis Racing. Defending ARCA RE/MAX Series Food World 300 winner Keith Segars in the #04 car as well as Mark Thompson in the #66 were also on hand for the test. Green said the R&D side of the #60 team has concentrated on Talladega and Daytona International Speedway. Two-day tickets start at $60 for the EA SPORTS 500 Weekend, Sept. 25-28. For one $60 ticket, fans can watch the final two NASCAR Winston Cup Series practices and the ARCA RE/MAX Series Food World 300 on Saturday and the NASCAR Winston Cup EA SPORTS 500 on Sunday. Alabama International Auto Show Qualifying Day is Thursday, Sept. 25, to set the field for the ARCA RE/MAX Series Food World 300. Tickets to both qualifying days are $10, children 11-and-under free. Fans can call 1-800-PITSHOP or (256) 362-RACE or visit the track’s official website at talladegasuperspeedway.com. Fans can also go online for a 3D Virtual Tour of the grandstand and tower seats as well as the infield spots for those who wish to stay overnight inside the track.(TSS PR/Site)(9-10-2003)
- Harvick tests at Kansas: #29-Kevin Harvick tested at Kansas Speedway this week, not sure of the particulars and no speeds.(9-10-2003)
- Tire test at Daytona Wraps Up: #15-Michael Waltrip and #97-Kurt Busch wrapped up a two-day Goodyear tire test on Tuesday at Daytona International Speedway. Waltrip and test driver Tim Fedewa drove Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chevrolets while Busch tested his Roush Racing Ford as the trio of drivers helped Goodyear develop a new tire for next year's "Great American Race" on Feb. 15. Both Busch and Waltrip participated in 30-lap drafting sessions while Fedewa did single-car laps in a Chevrolet Monte Carlo that's expected to be Waltrip's Daytona 500 car in 2004. "It's been real productive," said Waltrip's crew chief Richard "Slugger" Labbe. "We're trying to get a new generation tire for Goodyear developed. So far, it's gone good. The tires are holding up. The lap times are pretty quick and consistent and not much fall off. The cars generally push here after 20 laps and so far we've been able to stay pretty neutral." Tickets for the Daytona 500 and other Speedweeks 2004 events are available online at http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.(DIS PR)(9-10-2003)
- Testing at Dover UPDATE: hearing some teams are testing at Dover this week, Cup and Busch: #24-Jeff Gordon, #43-Christian Fittipaldi in Cup and #57-Jason Keller, #46-Ashton Lewis, #59-Stacy Compton, and the #87 NEMCO Chevy among others.(9-9-2003)
UPDATE: The drivers testing were: Jimmie Johnson and Christian Fittipaldi in Cup; and Busch Series drivers #48-Shane Hmiel, #87-Kyle Busch, #46-Ashton Lewis and Mike McLaughlin, in Jason Keller's #57 Ford.(Delaware News Journal)(9-10-2003)
- Lowe's Speeds? while it was reported that #42-Jamie McMurray was the fastest at Lowe's Motor Speedway testing last week, being told that the #55 Ford of Jeff Fultz, in a car prepared by Jasper Motorsports was clocked electronically with a speed of 178.867mph which betters McMurray's speed of 177.282 for day two. McMurray was the fastest overall, running a lap last Monday at 181.002 mph [Fultz was thrid day one at 180.391.(9-9-2003)
- Tire Test at DIS UPDATE: Goodyear is having a tire test in preparation for the "Great American Race" 46th annual Daytona 500 on Feb. 15, 2004. The test will be held on Monday, Sept. 8 and Tuesday, Sept. 9 at Daytona International Speedway with expected drivers being 2003 Daytona 500 champion Michael Waltrip, driver of the #15 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet and 2003 Daytona 500 second-place finisher Kurt Busch, driver of the #97 Rubbermaid Ford for Roush Racing. The test is free and open to the public with access to the Oldfield Grandstand available through DAYTONA USA, the official attraction of NASCAR.(DIS PR)(9-6-2003)
UPDATE: Michael Waltrip and Kurt Busch kicked off a Goodyear tire test on Monday at Daytona International Speedway in preparation for the Daytona 500 on Feb. 15, 2004. Waltrip, the 2003 Daytona 500 champion, and test driver Tim Fedewa turned laps in Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chevrolets while Busch shook down a Roush Racing Ford. The objective of the test, which included an afternoon drafting session, is to help Goodyear develop a tire for next year's "Great American Race." "We've got a baseline on the car and began to search through different constructions and tire compounds that Goodyear wanted us to run," said Waltrip, who also won the Daytona 500 in 2001. "This is my first tire test in a long time. So far we just do whatever they tell us to do."
"We're testing for next year's 500," said Phil Holmer, Goodyear's marketing manager for stock car racing. "We've had this same tire for seven years right now. We've got new materials, new compounds, new fabrics that weren't in existence a few years ago and we want to try those out and find the best tire we can for the 500." Goodyear obtains information and data from both the tires and the drivers during the test. While the test is beneficial to Goodyear, it's also a big plus for both Waltrip and Busch as the last restrictor-plate race of the season is the Sept. 28 EA SPORTS 500 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway and the Daytona 500 is just six months away. The Goodyear tire test will continue on Tuesday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., and is free and open to the public with access to the Oldfield Grandstand through the lobby of DAYTONA USA, the official motorsports attraction of NASCAR.(DIS PR)
NOTES: and been told that the teams are testing the new spoiler height and larger plates proposed for use later this month at Talladega and that if the package works well at Taladega they'll be using it at Daytona in Feb 2004.(9-9-2003)
- McMurray Again Fastest as Testing Concludes at Lowe's: For the second consecutive night, #42-Jamie McMurray topped the speed chart Wednesday as NASCAR Winston Cup teams made final preparations for the UAW-GM Quality 500 Saturday night, Oct. 11, at Lowe's Motor Speedway. With teams focusing on race set-up for the inaugural nighttime running of the 500-mile Fall Classic, McMurray's #42 Havoline Dodge was clocked on the unofficial stopwatches with a fastest lap of 177.282 mph around the 1.5-mile superspeedway. McMurray, the surprise winner of last year's UAW-GM Quality 500, ran many consistent laps between 176 and 177 mph. "We are definitely better than we were here in May," McMurray said. "We've gone through a bunch of shocks, basically trying stuff we don't have time to try during a race weekend. We think we've found something and the car is driving really good. I'm looking forward to coming back in October."
Jeff Fultz, a former ARCA RE/MAX Series winner here, was second fastest at 177.072 mph in the #55 Ford. Two-time UAW-GM Quality 500 winner Dale Jarrett was third fastest at 175.821 mph in the #88 UPS Ford. Like McMurray, Jarrett made several long runs consistently recording laps in the 175-mph range. Christian Fittipaldi was fourth fastest at 173.482 mph in the #44 Dodge. NASCAR Busch Series point leader Scott Riggs was also on hand, but the #57 CLR team loaded up their Ford prior to sunset. #50-Larry Foyt and #27-Scott Wimmer did not return for the second day of open testing. The six-hour session was run without an on-track incident. Tickets for the UAW-GM Quality 500 on Saturday night, Oct. 11, start at just $19 and are available online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-455-FANS.
The unofficial speeds:
#42-Jamie McMurray, 177.282 mph;
#55-Jeff Fultz, 177.072;
#88-Dale Jarrett, 175.821;
#44-Christian Fittipaldi, 173.482;
#57-Scott Riggs, 173.176.(LMS PR)(9-4-2003)
- Craven Tests at Milwaukee: #32-Ricky Craven and the PPI Motorsports (PPIM) team spent Wed., Sept. 3, testing at The Milwaukee Mile track in Wisconsin. The team tested with chassis No. 49, the same car it plans to use in the Sept. 14 NASCAR Winston Cup event at New Hampshire International Speedway. PPIM used the last of its five "official" tests at Indianapolis Motor Speedway earlier this year, so the team is now testing at tracks that do not host Winston Cup events.(PPIM PR)(9-4-2003)
- DEI to test Atlanta later this month: #15-Michael Waltrip and another DEI team are scheduled to test at Atlanta Motor Speedway on September 29-30th. The test is closed to the public.(AMS PR)(9-4-2003)
- McMurray speedy at Lowe's testing: #42-Jamie McMurray, last year's surprise winner of the. UAW-GM Quality 500, led the speed parade Tuesday night at Lowe's Motor Speedway as seven NASCAR Winston Cup drivers and teams fine tuned their "night moves" in preparation for the inaugural nighttime running of the track's 500-mile fall classic. McMurray's pacesetting lap was posted after the sun had set and the track surface cooled, nearly identical conditions teams will face during Bojangles' Pole Night qualifying on Thursday, Oct. 9. Interestingly, McMurray's lap came in a different car than the one he drove to victory last year. That #40 Dodge is still part of the stable of cars being wheeled by McMurray's teammate, Sterling Marlin. Dale Jarrett, a two-time UAW-GM Quality 500 winner, was second fastest on the unofficial watches at 180.566 mph in the #88 UPS Ford. Jeff Fultz, the May 2002 winner of the EasyCare Vehicle Service Contracts 100 ARCA race, was third fastest at 180.391 mph in the #55 Ford. NASCAR Busch Series point leader Scott Riggs, making his first appearance in the #57 CLR Ford, was fourth fastest at 179.509 mph while Scott Wimmer rounded out the top five at 177.954 in the #27 Chevrolet.
A brief rain shower shortly before 5 p.m. forced officials to stop the session for just over an hour. The only on-track incident came when Christian Fittipaldi's #44 Dodge scraped the outside wall in turn four. Testing for the UAW-GM Quality 500 continues Wednesday. NASCAR Winston Cup cars will be on the track from 3:00 to 10:00pm/et and spectators will be admitted free to the main grandstand. Tickets for the UAW-GM Quality 500 on Saturday night, Oct. 11, start at just $19 and can be purchased online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-455-FANS.
The unofficial speeds:
1. #42-Jamie McMurray, 181.002 mph;
2. #88-Dale Jarrett, 180.566;
3. #55-Jeff Fultz, 180.391;
4. #57-Scott Riggs, 179.509;
5. #27-Scott Wimmer, 177.954;
6. #44-Christian Fittipaldi, 176.476;
7. #50-Larry Foyt, 175.873.(LMS PR)(9-3-2003)
- Tire Test at Daytona: #97-Kurt Busch and #15-Michael Waltrip are scheduled to take part in a Goodyear tire test at Daytona on Sept.8-9. Phil Holmer, Goodyear's marketing manager for stock-car racing, said the company is looking at changing its compound for that track. Holmer also said that whoever does Goodyear's tire test at the redesigned Homestead-Miami Speedway later this year won't be in the points race. Goodyear and NASCAR officials don't want a driver in a points race to have an advantage over the rest of the field.(Roanoke Times)(8-30-2003)
- Testing at Kentucky UPDATE six teams: #23-Kenny Wallace and #27-Scott Wimmer will test at Kentucky Speedway August 27-28.(Kentucky Speedway PR)(8-26-2003)
UPDATE: Research and development was the phrase of the day for six NASCAR Winston Cup Series teams which tested the 1.5-mile tri-oval at Kentucky Speedway. Teams gathered information to prepare for a season-ending, 12-race stretch that features several intermediate tracks. Bill Davis Racing drivers Kenny Wallace and Scott Wimmer, Evernham Motorsports veteran Bill Elliott, Joe Gibbs Racing Busch Series regular Mike Bliss, MB2 Motorsports super sub Mike Skinner, Petty Enterprises namesake Kyle Petty, and Hendrick Motorsports test specialist David Green were part of the session. Skinner and Wimmer were potentially auditioning for full-time series rides in 2004. Skinner, who was released from his Morgan-McClure Winston Cup contract following the June 8 race at Pocono, is wheeling the #01 Army Pontiac for MB2 Motorsports while primary driver Jerry Nadeau continues to mend his injuries. Skinner used the test to get better acquainted with the MB2 team. Wimmer, who enters the week ninth in the Busch series standings and riding a string of nine straight top-10 finishes under Davis, also may be in line for a full-time Winston Cup ride if Davis can secure sponsorship for a third series entry. A second scenario might find Wimmer behind the wheel of the #22 Caterpillar car should Ward Burton vacate the seat.(Kentucky Speedway PR)(8-28-2003)
- Darlington Testing: #99-Jeff Burton, who originally was scheduled to only be here on Tuesday, will return on Wednesday. #87-Kyle Busch is testing with the Nemco Busch team. #25-Joe Nemechek and #22-Ward Burton will also be testing on Wednesday.(Darlington Raceway PR)(8-20-2003)
- Lowe's Testing Dates: Lowe's Motor Speedway has confirmed open testing dates for the Oct. 11 UAW-GM Quality 500 NASCAR Winston Cup race. Testing dates/times on Tuesday, Sept. 2 and Wednesday, Sept. 3 from 3:00 to 10:00pm/et. The main grandstand is open free of charge during each of the testing sessions.(LMS PR)(8-13-2003)
- Testing at Darlington: Cup points leader, #17 Matt Kenseth tested at Darlington Raceway on Monday, August 11th and will again on Tuesday.(Darlington Raceway PR)(8-12-2003)
- Testing at Bristol: Michael Waltrip will test his #15 Napa Chevy and #99 Aaron's Dream machine at Bristol Motor Speedway on Tuesday, Kenny Wallace will be there also helping Scott Wimmer with his Busch Team.(Speed Channel's IWC) Also, add #2-Rusty Wallace and Casey Atwood testing the #19 Dodge.(8-12-2003)
- #88 Tests at Kentucky: The #88 UPS Racing Team is scheduled to test at Kentucky Speedway on Tuesday before heading to Michigan for this weekend’s race activities. Crew chief Shawn Parker said Tuesday’s test session will determine which car Jarrett will drive this weekend at Michigan.(UPS PR)(8-12-2003)
- Fittipaldi tests at Bristol: the Bristol Motor Speedway site reports [and shows an image] of #43-Christian Fittipaldi testing at the track on Tuesday, August 5th.(BMS PR)(8-6-2003)
- Testing at Kentucky: #32-Ricky Craven and the Tide team will spend Wed. and Thurs., Aug. 6-7, testing at Kentucky Speedway. The team will use the session to collect data for General Motors and to test different concepts that can be applied at some of the 1.5-mile tracks the NASCAR Winston Cup Series will visit in upcoming months.(ppi motorsports) AND also #19-Jeremy Mayfield will test on Wednesday, August 6th, Brian Vickers will test a Cup car for Hendrick Motorsports on Wed and Thurs, Aug 7-8th.(Kentucky Speedway)(8-6-2003)
- Marlin testing at Nashville: Sterling Marlin and the #40 Coors Light team are testing Tuesday and Wednesday, August 5-6th at the Nashville Superspeedway. Also, #42-Jamie McMurray is testing there too(Nashville Superspeedway PR)(8-5-2003)
- Testing at the Glen on July 28th and 29th UPDATE Tuesday Speeds: Many drivers are scheduled to test at Watkins Glen International in preparation for the SIRIUS at The Glen, August 10th. Fans who have purchased tickets for the SIRIUS at The Glen, August 7-10, will be admitted free of charge both days. Fans should present their SIRIUS at The Glen tickets at the gate to gain free admission or pick-up a voucher at the ticket office if they have not received their event tickets. All other spectators can take in the action for only $5.00 each day at the gate. Gate 4 will be open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. both days.
Scheduled drivers: #01-Boris Said; #09?-Scott Pruett; #1-Ron Fellows; #4-Johnny Miller; #6-Mark Martin; #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr.; #15-Michael Waltrip; #16-Greg Biffle; #17-Matt Kenseth; #18-Bobby Labonte; #24-Jeff Gordon; #31-Robby Gordon; #33-Paul Menard #40-Sterling Marlin; #41-Casey Mears; #45-Kyle Petty; #44-Christian Fittipaldi; #35-Joe Varde; #88-Dale Jarrett
Tickets for the races that weekd start at only $50 and are still available.(Watkins Glen International PR)(7-28-2003)
UPDATE: The fastest speeds on Tuesday were: #6-Mark Martin at 124.051mph; #16-Greg Biffle at 123.703; #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. at 123.012; #24-Jeff Gordon at 122.978; #31-Robby Gordon at 122.858; #1-Ron Fellows at 122.671; #4-PJ Jones at 122.500; #35-Joe Varde at 122.483; #04-Johnny Miller at 122.330; #17-Matt Kenseth at 122.161; #01-Boris Said at 121.992; #44-Christian Fittipaldi at 121.924; #18-Bobby Labonte at 121.655; #41-Casey Mears at 121.655; #09-Scott Pruett at 121.655; #33-Paul Menard at 120.938; and #45-Kyle Petty at 120.657. The track qualifying record is 122.698mph. Tickets for the event start at $50 and are still available. Tickets for the SIRIUS at The Glen weekend, as well as the remaining 2003 racing season at Watkins Glen International, are now available by calling The Glen's ticket office at 607-535-2481 or online at www.theglen.com.(Watkins Glen PR)(7-30-2003)
- Testing at the Glen on July 28th and 29th UPDATE Monday Speeds: Many drivers are scheduled to test at Watkins Glen International in preparation for the SIRIUS at The Glen, August 10th. Fans who have purchased tickets for the SIRIUS at The Glen, August 7-10, will be admitted free of charge both days. Fans should present their SIRIUS at The Glen tickets at the gate to gain free admission or pick-up a voucher at the ticket office if they have not received their event tickets. All other spectators can take in the action for only $5.00 each day at the gate. Gate 4 will be open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. both days.
Scheduled drivers: #01-Boris Said; #09?-Scott Pruett; #1-Ron Fellows; #4-Johnny Miller; #6-Mark Martin; #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr.; #15-Michael Waltrip; #16-Greg Biffle; #17-Matt Kenseth; #18-Bobby Labonte; #24-Jeff Gordon; #31-Robby Gordon; #33-Paul Menard #40-Sterling Marlin; #41-Casey Mears; #45-Kyle Petty; #44-Christian Fittipaldi; #35-Joe Varde; #88-Dale Jarrett
Tickets for the races that weekd start at only $50 and are still available.(Watkins Glen International PR)(7-28-2003)
UPDATE: #31-Robby Gordon at 122.858mph; #16-Greg Biffle at 122.398, #6-Mark Martin at 122.347; #1-Ron Fellows at 121.823; #4-PJ Jones at 121.790; #01-Boris Said at 121.773; #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. at 121.655; #17-Matt Kenseth at 121.471; #24-Jeff Gordon at 121.321; Bobby Labonte at 121.204; #41-Casey Mears at 120.822, #04-Johnny Miller at 120.706; #09-Scott Pruett at 120.377; #45-Kyle Petty at 119.593; #44-Christian Fittipaldi at 119.577; #33-Paul Menards at 119.351. The track qualifying record is 122.698mph. Tickets for the event start at $50 and are still available. Tickets for the SIRIUS at The Glen weekend, as well as the remaining 2003 racing season at Watkins Glen International, are now available by calling The Glen's ticket office at 607-535-2481 or online at www.theglen.com. Testing concludes Tuesday and is once again open to the public.(Watkins Glen PR)(7-29-2003)
- More Indy Testing UPDATE Wednesday: Indianapolis Motor Speedway says #12-Ryan Newman, #99-Jeff Burton, #71-Kevin Lepage and #55-Jeff Fultz [APR car] are scheduled to test Tuesday and Wednesday in preparation for the 10th Brickyard 400 Winston Cup race on Aug. 3. The public can view testing for free from the South Terrace grandstands.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(7-22-2003)
UPDATE: #99-Jeff Burton and #71-Kevin Lepage each topped 179 mph July 23 in the final day of testing for the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Burton’s top speed was 179.959mph, and Lepage turned a lap of 179.742. Both were making simulated qualifying runs. #12-Ryan Newman also tested but his top speed from the private test day was not released at the request of his team, Penske Racing. Lepage, who said July 22 that his independent Matrix team was focused solely on finding a solid qualifying speed, left the Speedway Wednesday morning after completing only nine laps. Newman and Burton tested all day and recorded 91 and 100 laps for the day, respectively. #48-Jimmie Johnson remained fastest overall during seven days of private testing this month at Indianapolis, turning a lap of 182.028 on July 15. #20-Tony Stewart’s track record, set during qualifying for the 2002 Brickyard 400, is 182.960.(Brickyard400.com)(7-24-2003)
- More Indy Testing UPDATE Lepage is the fastest: Indianapolis Motor Speedway says #12-Ryan Newman, #99-Jeff Burton, #?71-Kevin Lepage and #?57-Jeff Fultz are scheduled to test Tuesday and Wednesday in preparation for the 10th Brickyard 400 Winston Cup race on Aug. 3. The public can view testing for free from the South Terrace grandstands.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(7-22-2003)
UPDATE: Kevin Lepage’s hopes of bringing a competitive car to the 10th Brickyard 400 came closer to reality July 22 after posting the fastest lap of the day in testing, 178.638mph in the #71 Matrix Motorsports Ford. #99-Jeff Burton was second fastest at 177.386, and #55-Jeff Fultz was third at 176.318 in the Jasper Motorsports Ford. #12-Ryan Newman also tested but the team did not authorize the release of speeds during the private test. Testing continues from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (EST) Wednesday. The public can view testing free of charge from the South Terrace grandstands, located inside the track between Turns 1 and 2.(Brickyard400.com)(7-23-2003)
- Testing at Kentucky: Several NASCAR Winston Cup teams including Dale Earnhardt, Inc., Evernham Motorsports, Petty Enterprises and Richard Childress Racing are scheduled to test at Kentucky Speedway this week. #8-Dale Earnhardt, Jr., #15-Tim Fedawa in for Michael Waltrip [who was busy doing Inside Winston Cup] and #9/19/91-Hank Parker, Jr., are scheduled for Monday, July 21, #45-Kyle Petty is scheduled for Wednesday, July 23, and #29-Kevin Harvick is scheduled for Wednesday July 23 and Thursday, July 24.(Kentucky Speedway PR), also per team PR's add #32-Ricky Craven on, Wed., July 23rd.(7-21-2003)
- Brickyard 400 Testing part II - Tuesday News and Speeds: A second round of NASCAR Winston Cup Series private testing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway gets underway Monday, July 14 [and 15th]. Drivers scheduled to test are: #0-Jack Sprague, #01-Mike Wallace, #02-Hermie Sadler. #07-Ted Musgrave, #2-Rusty Wallace, #4-David Reutimann, #5-Terry Labonte, #7-Jimmy Spencer, #9-Bill Elliott, #10-Johnny Benson, #11-Brett Bodine, #21-Ricky Rudd, #30-Steve Park, #31-Robby Gordon , #37-Derrike Cope, #38-Elliott Sadler [15th/16th], #42-Jamie McMurray, #43-Christian Fittipaldi, #48-Jimmie Johnson, #49-Ken Schrader, #54-Todd Bodine, #57-Mike Skinner, #79-Billy Bigley Jr. #81-John Andretti and #88 Dale Jarrett [15th/16th]. NASCAR.com is reporting that the #88 team decided not to test and headed back to North Carolina.(7-11/14-2003)
UPDATE - Fittipaldi wrecks: #43-Christian Fittipaldi's car crashed today at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway during testing for next month's Brickyard 400. Fittipaldi hit the outside wall of turn 2 on the 2-1/2 mile oval, track officials said. He was taken to the track hospital for an examination, after which he was released and cleared to drive. The crash did extensive damage to the right side of Fittipaldi's car. #54-Todd Bodine, fastest Monday, also crashed, but was not injured.(Indianapolis Star)(7-16-2003)
UPDATE 2: #25-Joe Nemechek turned the fastest lap on an extra day of NASCAR Winston Cup Series testing July 16 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, circling the legendary 2.5-mile oval at 181.029mph. #2-Rusty Wallace was second fastest at 180.989, while Nemechek’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate, #48-Jimmie Johnson was third at 180.157. Johnson remained fastest overall among the 38 drivers that have taken part in private test sessions at IMS on either July 8-9 or 14-16, after recording a lap of 182.028 on July 15. #20-Tony Stewart’s track record, set during qualifying for the 2002 Brickyard 400, is 182.960. Persistent thundershowers and storms washed out all but 37 minutes of practice July 15th, so NASCAR granted teams another day of practice. Weather conditions today were sunny with light winds and a high temperature in the mid-80s – more to the liking of teams and similar to what drivers will encounter when they return for the 10th Brickyard 400 on Aug. 1-3. The only accidents to take place during 2003 NASCAR testing at IMS occurred approximately 30 minutes apart in the morning. At 9:40am/et, Petty Enterprises driver Christian Fittipaldi was approaching the apex of Turn 2 when the #43 Cheerios Dodge veered right and made hard contact with the SAFER Barrier. Fittipaldi was unhurt, and despite the incident, he was pleased with the team’s progress. “We don’t know exactly what happened,” he said. “Either something broke on the car or a tire blew as I was coming through the turn. Then suddenly, the car just went straight, just washed out from underneath me, and I hit the outside wall. I hadn’t even (considered) that I hit the SAFER Barrier. It was still pretty hard. As long as it works, if you guys say, it’s safer, I’ll take it. It was still pretty hard. “Since we arrived the first day we only got better and better, today we’re running race runs with 15 lap tires on it, and it wasn’t bad. We’re just getting more and more competitive. We learned a good amount of stuff from the first day to today.” Thirty minutes later, #54-Todd Bodine hit the SAFER Barrier in Turn 1. “Blew a right front (tire),” Bodine said. “No warning, no nothing. Don’t know if we ran over something, or what.” Bodine said he believes the Speedway’s SAFER Barrier, the Speedway’s energy-absorbing barrier system that was installed in May 2002, saved him from injury. “Hallelujah – Tony George, thank you,” Bodine said of Speedway President and CEO George. “That hit should have hurt, and I don’t even have a headache. Nothing. I feel like I just climbed out from practice. Thank you, Tony George, that’s all I can say.” #38-Elliott Sadler and the Robert Yates Racing team will test Thursday. Drivers scheduled to test next week include #99-Jeff Burton (July 21-22) and #12-Ryan Newman (July 22-23). Reserved-seat Race Day tickets for the Brickyard 400 remain available.(Brickyard 400 site)
The top five overall after five days of testing are:
#48-Jimmie Johnson, 182.028
#81-John Andretti, 181.246
#0-Jack Sprague, 181.235 [no longer with the team, no word on who may drive - David Green?]
#25-Joe Nemechek, 181.191
#2-Rusty Wallace, 180.989
See Wednesday's speeds at Brickyard400.com - Wednesday Speeds
See All speed [so far] at Brickyard400.com - July Speeds.(7-17-2003)
- Brickyard 400 Testing part II - Monday speeds: A second round of NASCAR Winston Cup Series private testing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway gets underway Monday, July 14 [and 15th]. Drivers scheduled to test are: #0-Jack Sprague, #01-Mike Wallace, #02-Hermie Sadler. #07-Ted Musgrave, #2-Rusty Wallace, #4-?David Reutimann, #5-Terry Labonte, #7-Jimmy Spencer, #9-Bill Elliott, #10-Johnny Benson, #11-Brett Bodine, #21-Ricky Rudd, #30-Steve Park, #31-Robby Gordon , #37-Derrike Cope, #38-Elliott Sadler [15th/16th], #42-Jamie McMurray, #43-Christian Fittipaldi, #48-Jimmie Johnson, #49-Ken Schrader, #54-Todd Bodine, #79-Billy Bigley Jr. #81-John Andretti and #88 Dale Jarrett [15th/16th]. NASCAR.com is reporting that the #88 team decided not to test and headed back to North Carolina. No speeds yet, but FSN's Totally NASCAR reports that #54-Todd Bodine was the fastest as of 6:00pm/et.(7-11/14-2003)
UPDATE: Twenty-six drivers tested at Indy on Monday in prep for the Brickyard 400 on Aug 3rd. The top five were:
#54-Todd Bodine, 178.879
#81-John Andretti, 178.568
#7-Jimmy Spencer, 177.747
#21-Ricky Rudd, 176.832
#48-Jimmie Johnson 176.758
slowest were:
#43-Christian Fittipaldi, 171.234
#14-Larry Foyt, 168.780
David Reutimann tested the #4 Kodak Pontiac and #79-Billy Bigley Jr. was 22nd. Mike Skinner tested the #57 Team CLR Ford and was 8th fastest. #25-Joe Nemechek ran the most laps at 137, followed by #9-Bill Elliott with 135.(see full rundown of speeds at ThatsRacin.com)(7-15-2003)
- Testing at Watkins Glen: July 28th and 29th are the annual NASCAR Winston Cup test days at Watkins Glen International. The tentative lineup signed up to attend:
#24-Jeff Gordon, #17-Matt Kenseth, #6-Mark Martin, #31-Robby Gordon, #88-Dale Jarrett, #40-Sterling Marlin, #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., #15-Michael Waltrip, #16-Greg Biffle, #45-Kyle Petty, #44-Christian Fittipaldi, #18-Bobby Labonte, #1-Ron Fellows, #33-Paul Menard, #35-Joe Varde, #4-Johnny Miller.(Watkins Glen PR)(7-10-2003)
- Raines fastest at Weds Indy testing: #74-Tony Raines turned in the fastest lap of the first week of private testing July 9 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, recording a lap of 179.918mph. For the second day in a row, #1-Jeff Green was second fastest at 179.874 followed by #41-Casey Mears at 179.696. Speeds increased dramatically from Tuesday, as the top seven drivers all recorded speeds faster than #19-Jeremy Mayfield’s 176.214 lap, fastest Tuesday. Rain showers forced the lunch hour to be extended an extra hour today, and the track was closed an hour early at the end of the day due to a thunderstorm. Most drivers focused on qualifying setups in cooler temperatures Wednesday after a day of finding race trim in the 90-degree heat Tuesday. Although testing pays nothing and earns the team zero Winston Cup Series points, Raines said being at or near the top of the charts in any test – but particularly in preparation for an important race like the Brickyard 400 – is great for a team such as BACE, which lacks a major sponsor. “It gives this team a boost,” he said. “When you’re on top of the charts, they (the crew) just walk different, stand a little taller. That is certainly good for morale – everyone works a little faster, little harder. When you have a good car, it stays a good car. It’s hard to make a bad car fast. It gives us a little more confidence when we come back in August.” #40-Sterling Marlin is as confident about his chances for the 10th running of the Brickyard 400, scheduled for Aug. 3, as he has been in years. While he clocked the fourth-fastest lap of the day at 179.341. A second round of NASCAR Winston Cup Series private testing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway gets underway Monday, July 14. Reserved-seat Race Day tickets for the Brickyard 400 remain available. Tickets and parking can be purchased on the World Wide Web via www.imstix.com or by calling the IMS Ticket Office at (800) 822-INDY or (317) 492-6700.(Brickyard400.com)(7-10-2003)
- Testing at Indy SPEEDS: NASCAR Winston Cup Series teams will test July 8-9 and July 14-16 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in preparation for the 10th annual Brickyard 400 on Aug. 3. Unlike previous years, the 2003 tests are not mandatory for teams. The hours of testing for each day are 9:00am - 5:00pm, with a lunch break from 12:30-1:30pm. Although the tests are private, the public can view testing at no charge from the South Terrace grandstands, located inside the track between Turns 1 and 2. Testing Roster for July 8-9, tentative, subject to change: #6-Mark Martin, #16-Greg Biffle, #18-Bobby Labonte, #19-Jeremy Mayfield, #32-Ricky Craven, #40-Sterling Marlin, #41-Casey Mears and #77-Dave Blaney.(Ford Racing)(7-6-2003)
UPDATE - Tuesday - CORRECTION: #19-Jeremy Mayfield turned the fastest lap on the first day of 2003 Cup Series private testing July 8 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, recording a lap of 176.214mph. #1-Jeff Green was second fastest in today’s practice at 175.446, followed by #91-Casey Atwood at 174.690 and #41-Casey Mears at 174.514. Teams are testing at the world’s greatest racecourse in preparation for the 10th running of the Brickyard 400 on Sunday, Aug. 3. Eleven drivers turned laps July 8, and testing for the same group of drivers continues July 9. Another round of teams is scheduled to test at IMS July 14-16. Others testing included #6-Mark Martin, #16-Greg Biffle, #18-Bobby Labonte, #40-Sterling Marlin [who was reported as the fastest earlier], #77-Dave Blaney and #32-Ricky Craven [11 drivers tested, so missing one]. No other speeds reported.(Brickyard400.com)(7-9-2003)
- Drivers to test Homestead.....virtually: Winston Cup drivers won't be allowed to test their cars on the new banking at Homestead-Miami Speedway until the week of the season finale, but they will be able to race the new course on a new computer-program simulator being developed for NASCAR's stock-car teams by Electronic Arts. "This will be the first time ever that the teams will be able to set up a race car on a computer on a track that was computer built - so you can set up a car for a track while that track is still dirt," said Curtis Gray, who runs the track for Bill France Jr.'s International Speedway Corporation. "Or at least it's a good starting point." NASCAR officials spent time at Homestead last week to review progress on the track's reconstruction. Gray said the project, which began in May, 'is right on schedule. In the first five days we had the whole track torn apart, and it took them 22 days to build the actual dirt banking, 55 feet wide.'(Winston Salem Journal)(7-6-2003)
- Testing at the Magic Mile: Racetrack officials imported pavement all the way from Trinidad and placed it around the turns at the New Hampshire International Speedway this spring. The hope was, in part, to create a track resistant to rising in hot temperatures, thus eliminating one of NHIS's several notable problems. Then, folks at NHIS rolled out the red carpet -- or at least the new, black pavement -- for the five Winston Cup and Busch Series racers who accepted the invitation to test their cars on the track. Yesterday [June 30th], the selection of racers sped along the resurfaced speedway and, after zipping through a morning of test runs, issued a verdict on the track, a verdict much more mundane than the foreign-imported surface on which they drove. ''The track itself is the same track,'' Ricky Craven said. ''There's really not that much difference.'' Among the five drivers -- #32-Ricky Craven, #37-Derrike Cope, #77-Dave Blaney, #20-Tony Stewart and #24-Jeff Gordon -- reasons for accepting invitations to NHIS varied. Cope wanted to experiment with two car models [Chevy/Pontiac] and decide on which he preferred. Craven wanted to improve his team's short-track program. Gordon aimed to make amends for his two disappointing races here last year. But the drivers also were valued for their responses to the track, and taken together, their input could be grouped into something of an NHIS State of the Union. In short, the feedback sounded a lot like last year's, with a lot of recycled observations: The track is flat, challenging, and, at times, problematic. ''To me, this is one of the trickiest tracks on the circuit, it really is,'' Gordon said. ''It's very flat and has a tight radius, and if you're not comfortable, you're not going to go fast.'' All four drivers who spoke with the media yesterday (Stewart chose not to) said the track was slippery in the morning but improved considerably following a few test runs.(Boston Globe)(7-1-2003)
- Keller tests at Kentucky: Jason Keller was at Kentucky Speedway on Monday, June 30th, testing the #81 DEI Chevy he will run at Chicago next week.(XM Satellite- NASCAR Radio - Subscription Required)(7-1-2003)
- Testing at Chicago - June 25th: on Wednesday, June 25, Cup Series drivers #29-Kevin Harvick, #16-Greg Biffle and a driver from Bill Davis Racing (to be named later) will be testing at Chicagoland Speedway in preparation for the July 13th Tropicana 400, NASCAR Winston Cup Series event. Also testing will be Busch Series drivers #18-Coy Gibbs and #4-Mike Wallace for the July 12th Tropicana Twister 300, NASCAR Busch Series event. Two Busch Series drivers will also be on hand testing Winston Cup cars. Johnny Sauter will testing the #4 Kodak Pontiac for Morgan-McClure Motorsports and Jason Keller will be testing the #81 Kraft Chevy. This is the third test session of the 2003 season at Chicagoland Speedway and it is not open to the general public.(Chicagoland Speedway PR)(6-24-2003)
- NHIS Testing? #24-Jeff Gordon and #20-Tony Stewart were scheduled to test this week at New Hampshire to prepare for the New England 300 there July 20. Both teams are concerned that their programs on the 1.058-mile oval have become stale and were looking at ways to improve. Many drivers had problems at the track last year because the surface was breaking up, but the corners were repaved and extended 12 feet in April. In theory, the extra asphalt should promote more side-by-side racing.(Sporting News)(6-23-2003)
- Testing at Daytona UPDATE 2: Testing for the 45th annual Pepsi 400 is scheduled for Tuesday, June 17 and Wednesday, June 18, 3:00 - 11:00pm/et at Daytona International Speedway. Winston Cup teams expected to test in preparation for the for the 45th annual Pepsi 400 on Saturday night, July 5 include 2000 Pepsi 400 champion #99-Jeff Burton, #44-Christian Fittipaldi, #49-Ken Schrader, #60-David Green, #02-Hermie Sadler and #09-Phoenix Racing (Buckshot Jones? or Joe Ruttman?). Expected to test for the second annual Winn-Dixie 250 Presented By PepsiCo are Casey Atwood (#82-FitzBradshaw Racing) and Mike McLaughlin (#34-Frank Cicci Racing)(DIS PR).(6-14-2003)
UPDATE: The test session is free and open to the public with access to a section of the Oldfield Grandstand through the lobby of DaytonaUSA.(DIS PR).(6-16-2003)
UPDATE 2: Nine teams invaded Daytona International Speedway on Tuesday for a two-day test session for the upcoming Pepsi 400 weekend on July 2-5. Prepping for the 45th annual Pepsi 400 on Saturday night, July 5 were #99-Jeff Burton, #80-Mike Bliss, #02-Hermie Sadler, #44-Christian Fittipaldi, #60-David Green, #09-Joe Ruttman subbing for Buckshot Jones) and #49-Elton Sawyer subbing for Ken Schrader. #82-Casey Atwood and #34-Mike McLaughlin were shaking down their cars for the second annual Winn-Dixie 250 Presented By PepsiCo on Friday, July 4.(DIS PR), no speeds were reported.(6-18-2003)
UPDATE 3: Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing and Roush Racing were among the eight teams that wrapped up a second day of Pepsi 400 testing on Wednesday at Daytona International Speedway. The three powerhouse teams were searching for speed that they hope will help them catch Dale Earnhardt Inc. cars on the restrictor-plate tracks at Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway. Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing have both entered their research and development teams in the 45th annual Pepsi 400 on Saturday, July 5. Green, with Hendrick Motorsports mechanic Gary DeHart, was shaking down the #60 Chevrolet while Bliss had Joe Gibbs Racing team manager Jimmy Makar and engine builder Mark Cronquist working on his #80-Chevrolet during the test session. Hermie Sadler left the Pepsi 400 test session after the first day. No speeds were reported.(DIS PR)(6-19-2003)
- Now - an open test at Homestead [good move]: first it was NO testing at the soon to be newly configured Homestead-Miami Speedway track, then it was gonna be a few non-title contending teams in a Goodyear tire test, now from NASCAR.com: NASCAR has scheduled an open test date for this fall -- complete with data acquisition systems -- when Homestead-Miami Speedway reopens with reconfigured 20-degree banking. The season finales for NASCAR's three national touring series: Winston Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck, are all scheduled between Nov. 14-16 at Homestead. Cup crew chiefs and car owners were called to small group meetings in NASCAR's office trailer with Winston Cup director John Darby on Saturday and told the schedule for the Ford 400 would include an open test day on Wednesday, Nov. 12 in which the cars would be allowed to run with onboard telemetry systems. Currently, that data acquisition technology is allowed at tests, including NASCAR's Preseason Thunder at Daytona International Speedway in January, but has never been allowed during an event weekend. Winston Cup teams will be allowed to change engines and dismantle their onboard telemetry on Thursday, when Busch and Craftsman Truck Series teams are scheduled to begin practice. The standard Winston Cup weekend will begin Friday with practice and Bud Pole Qualifying for the season's 36th [and final] event.(6-8-2003)
- Testing at MIS: five drivers tested at Michigan International Speedway on Monday and/or Tuesday; #7-Jimmy Spencer, #29-Kevin Harvick, #38-Elliott Sadler, #77-Dave Blaney and #0-Jack Sprague. Most teams found themselves behind schedule Tuesday because of light rain in the morning. Instead of running 20-30 laps straight, they were restricted to shorter bursts on the two-mile oval. No speeds mentioned.(Detroit Free Press)(6-4-2003)
- #20 to test at NHIS: Crew chief Greg Zipadelli said that Tony Stewart 's team plans to test at New Hampshire later this month.(Roanoke Times)(6-4-2003)
- Testing for the #5: #5 Kellogg's / got milk? Racing will be busy testing throughout the month of June. They will take a new road-course car to Road Atlanta on June 10th in preparation for the June 22 event at Infineon Raceway, followed by a visit to the Milwaukee Mile on June 16 and 17 to test for the July 20 New England 300 at New Hampshire.(Hendrick Motorsports PR)(6-4-2003)
- Goodyear will test tires at the 'New' Homestead: If all goes according to schedule, Homestead-Miami Speedway president Curtis Gray said the project will be completed in early October. Then the new asphalt will need up to another month to ``cure.'' Jim Hunter, NASCAR's vice president of corporate communications, said that because of the tight time frame, the only advanced testing on the track will be conducted by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, the exclusive tire supplier to the three series. The tire requirements will be dramatically different because of the change to the track's design and the new asphalt. The 1.5-mile true oval that used to have fairly flat turns of 6 degrees is being reconfigured to have unique variable banking with grooves of 18, 19 and 20 degrees that are expected to increase speeds by 20 to 25 mph. ''Banking creates load, and tire load is a critical component of tire durability,'' said Rick Campbell, team leader for Goodyear's stock car tire development. ``Obviously, whatever we do, safety is our primary objective.'' NASCAR will have a special mandate on who can conduct the tire tests. ''We've asked Goodyear to make sure it is not done by one of the title contenders,'' Hunter said.(Miami Herald), more on the track configuration on my Homestead Track News and Info page.(6-4-2003)
- Johnson to test at VIR UPDATE five drivers test: The key to winning any title is consistency, and #48-Jimmie Johnson and his team are looking to tackle the only weakness in the program: road courses. “This year,” Johnson says, “we're making an effort to get me some more experience testing some different tracks that aren't necessarily NASCAR tracks but ones that I can get some more road course experience.” Weather permitting, Johnson will test this week at Virginia International Raceway, a 3.27-mile road course in Alton, VA.(Sporting News)(6-2-2003)
UPDATE: At least five Winston Cup drivers tested the Virginia International Raceway Roadcourse Tuesday in preparation for the June 22nd Dodge Save-Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma. Among those turning laps were #24-Jeff Gordon, #48-Jimmie Johnson, #20-Tony Stewart, #18-Bobby Labonte and #22-Ward Burton. Rain cut short the day's activities.(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(6-3-2003)
- No Testing at the 'new' Homestead: NASCAR announced in Sunday's drivers meeting it will not allow testing at Homestead-Miami Speedway this season, but is expected to grant Winston Cup, Busch and Truck teams additional practice time the week of the November season finales. The track recently announced it was adding variable banking to all four previously flat turns. The work should be completed before the November races.(ThatsRacin.com), more info on the reconfiguation on my Homestead News and Info page.(6-1-2003)
- Pocono Testing Thursday: Scheduled to test at Pocono Wednesday and Thursday are: #20-Tony Stewart, #16-Greg Biffle, #0-Jack Sprague, #42-Jamie McMurray, #74-Tony Raines, Casey Mears (#77-ARCA) and the #91-Casey Atwood?.(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(5-28-2003)
UPDATE: Kyle Busch and his #87 ditech.com team spent two days testing their ARCA entry at Pocono earlier this week. The 18-year-old is scheduled to compete in the July 26 event at the 2.5-mile superspeedway.(HMS PR)(5-29-2003)
- Testing at Dover: #22-Ward Burton and #25-Joe Nemechek tested at Dover International Speedway on Monday, along with Busch Series drivers #23-Scott Wimmer, who is also supposedly testing the #27-Dodge for the Cup race too, and #18-Coy Gibbs. All will return for more testing on Tuesday. The MBNA Armed Forces Family 400 runs on June 1st.(Delaware News Journal), no speeds reported.(5-20-2003)
- Testing to be banned in 2004? Bruton Smith believes NASCAR will ban testing next year to help contain costs. NASCAR limited teams to five tests this year at Winston Cup tracks, sending many to ovals in Lakeland, Fla., and Sparta, Ky. "It's very simple," said Smith, whose company owns six tracks that play host to Winston Cup races. "If you're going to California and you want to test, you come in one day early so you don't make another trip. That would free up these teams an awful lot and save millions and millions of dollars. This sport is expensive to begin with. You can't continually add expense to it."(Richmond Times Dispatch)(5-17-2003)
- Testing at Kentucky UPDATE: on Wednesday, May 14th four drivers will test. Two Cup drivers: #30-Steve Park and Hank Park Jr in an Evernham Motorsports Dodge. And two testing Busch cars: #23-Scott Wimmer and Eric McClure for Morgan McClure Racing. On Tuesday, #88-Dale Jarrett tested two cars at Kentucky, one of which will be on the track at Charlotte in The Winston. The team also documented aero performance notes for the upcoming Coca-Cola 600 to be held at Charlotte in two weeks.(Kentucky Speedway PR)(5-14-2003)
UPDATE: Drivers making Winston Cup Series research and development runs at Kentucky Speedway included Scott Wimmer in the Bill Davis Racing R&D #23 Dodge, Eric McClure in the #4 Kodak R&D machine, Damon Lusk in the Ultra Motorsports #7 Sirius Dodge and Hank Parker, Jr., in the #91 Evernham Motorsports R&D Dodge.(Kentucky Speedway PR)(5-15-2003)
- Testing at Dover: A trio of racers (one Winston Cup and two Busch Series), will be testing at Dover International Speedway on Monday and Tuesday, May 19-20. #22-Ward Burton and #27-Scott Wimmer of the Winston Cup Series, and and #18-Coy Gibbs of the Busch Series will be on the Monster Mile those two days. No word on if testing is open to the public.( Dover International Speedway PR)(5-14-2003)
- Nadeau fastest in Weds teating at Lowe's: #01-Jerry Nadeau marched to the top of the unofficial speed chart Wednesday night at Lowe's Motor Speedway as NASCAR Winston Cup teams concluded preparations for The Winston on May 17 and the May 25 Coca-Cola 600. Nadeau ran 181.757 mph. The starter never unfurled the caution flag as the nine-hour testing session was run without an on-track incident. There was one minor accident in the garage area when a speedway security vehicle pulled in front Jeff Green's #30 AOL Chevy, causing damage to both vehicles. Testing for Lowe's Motor Speedway's month of May activities continues Monday night when the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series drivers and teams take to the track in preparation for the inaugural Hardee's 200 on Friday, May 16. The session runs from 3 to 10 p.m. and the main grandstand will be open to the public with no admission charge. Tickets for The Winston on May 17 and the May 25 Coca-Cola 600 are still available and can be obtained by calling 1-800-455-FANS.
The unofficial speeds:
#01-Jerry Nadeau, 181.757
#48-Jimmie Johnson, 181.087
#4-Mike Skinner, 180.481
#6-Mark Martin, 180.192
#8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 180.180
#43-John Andretti, 179.372
#54-Todd Bodine, 178.324
#30-Jeff Green, 177.579
#88-Dale Jarrett, 175.484
#11-Brett Bodine, 174.403
#19-Jeremy Mayfield, 173.997
#27-Kirk Shelmerdine, 173.533
#74-Tony Raines, 173.355.(LMS PR)(5-1-2003)
- Testing at Lowe's Today - UPDATE 3 Speeds: Open testing dates have been confirmed for the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, NASCAR Busch Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, NASCAR Goody's Dash Series and the ARCA RE/MAX Series in preparation for The Winston on May 17, the May 25 Coca-Cola 600 and the other stock car events scheduled next month at Lowe's Motor Speedway. The Cup dates are:
Tuesday, April 29: 5:00 to 10:00pm/et.
Wednesday, April 30: On-Track: 12:00noon to 10:00pm/et.(Lowe's Motor Speedway PR)(4-14-2003)
UPDATE/CORRECTION: Gate 5A at the front of Lowe's Motor Speedway will be open free of charge during all of the open testing sessions.(4-15-2003)
UPDATE 2: 13 drivers are expected to test, don't have a full list, but #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., #6-Mark Martin, #88-Dale Jarrett, #48-Jimmie Johnson, #43-John Andretti, #19-Jeremy Mayfield, #30-Jeff Green and #01-Jerry Nadeau are expected to test.(4-29-2003)
SPEEDS: #4-Mike Skinner topped the unofficial speed chart Tuesday evening as a dozen NASCAR Winston Cup teams took to Lowe's Motor Speedway in preparation for the May 17 running of The Winston and the May 25 Coca-Cola 600. Speeds were well off the record lap of 186.464mph posted by Johnson during last year's CTC Pole Night qualifying as teams focused primarily on race set-ups and long runs. The five-hour practice session was run without incident. The only caution flag was waved when safety personnel responded to a small fire in the garage area. NASCAR Winston Cup testing for the Coca-Cola 600 continues Wednesday. Drivers will be on the track from 12:00noon to 10:00pm/et and the main grandstand will be open to the public with free admission. The speeds:
#4-Mike Skinner, 180.832mph
#6-Mark Martin, 180.252
#30-Jeff Green, 180.216
#88-Dale Jarrett, 180.156
#48-Jimmie Johnson, 180.138
#8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 179.330
#54-Todd Bodine, 178.306
#01-Jerry Nadeau, 177.971
#19-Jerry Mayfield, 177.608
#43-John Andretti, 177.410
#11-Brett Bodine, 175.046
#74-Tony Raines, 174.177.(LMS PR)(4-30-2003)
- Fellows fastest in 2nd day of testing at Infineon Raceway: Infineon Raceway says #81-Ron Fellows, a road-racing veteran running a limited Winston Cup schedule with Dale Earnhardt Inc. this year, posted the fastest stock-car lap ever at the Sonoma, Calif., road course to lead six Winston Cup drivers testing Wednesday. Fellows, who will compete for DEI at Infineon and Watkins Glen, lapped the 10-turn, 2-mile circuit at 1:16.24 (94.439mph). #20-Tony Stewart holds the official track record of 1:16.64 (93.946), set in 2002. "The equipment and resources I have at DEI are incredible, and it showed in this test," said Fellows, who has twice won at the track in the American Le Mans Series driving a Corvette. #6-Mark Martin was second-fastest Wednesday at 1:16.47 (94.155) followed by his Roush Racing teammate #17-Matt Kenseth at 1:17.19 (93.276). Chip Ganassi Racing's #42-Jamie McMurray at 1:17.24 (93.216) and #41-Casey Mears at 1:17.47 (92.939) were fourth and fifth, and Haas/CNC Racing's #0-Jack Sprague rounded out the test at 1:18.04 (92.260).(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(4-24-2003)
- Mark Martin Posts Top Time in First Day of Testing at Infineon Raceway: #6-Mark Martin posted the top time Tuesday during the first day of a NASCAR Winston Cup test session at Infineon Raceway. Martin, one of six Winston Cup drivers testing the 10-turn, 2-mile road course in preparation for the Dodge/Save Mart 350 (June 19-22), ran 92.903mph, followed by #81?-Ron Fellows at 92.474 and #17-Matt
Kenseth at 92.367. #20-Tony Stewart owns the track qualifying record of 93.946mph. Other testers included rookies #42-Jamie McMurray (91.954), #41-Casey Mears (91.603) and #0-Jack Sprague (91.082). The two-day session will conclude on Wednesday.(Infineon Raceway)(4-23-2003)
- Rudd Testing at Kentucky: Kentucky Speedway says Ricky Rudd was scheduled to test Wood Brothers Racing's #21 Ford today. Testing is not open to the public, but the track says spectators may watch from the visitor center in turn three.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(4-23-2003)
- Teams Test at Memphis to prep for RIR: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. tested DEI's short track program with a two-day test that opened Monday at Memphis Motorsports Park. The session on the .750-mile oval was closed to the public. Memphis is very similar to the Winston Cup Series' next short track, the .750-mile Richmond International Raceway, site of the May 3 Pontiac Excitement 400. Other Winston Cup teams are scheduled to be at Memphis, Penske Racing, which anticipates testing its Dodges and Robert Yates Racing, which may bring both Dale Jarrett and Elliott Sadler; as well as a couple more possible attendees.(NASCAR.com)(4-22-2003)
- NASCAR Drivers Head to Infineon Raceway for Two-Day Test Session, April 22-23: #17-Matt Kenseth will highlight a group of five drivers scheduled to participate in a two-day test session at Infineon Raceway, April 22-23. Kenseth will be joined by #6-Mark
Martin, #42-Jamie McMurray, #0-Jack Sprague and #41-Casey Mears. Kenseth, who has tested at Infineon Raceway the last two years, has an average finish of 30th on the 12-turn, 2-mile road course in three Winston Cup starts. He will look to improve that average finish in
his pursuit of the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup championship. This session is open to the public and drivers are generally on track from 9:00am -5:00pm.(Infineon Raceway PR)(4-18-2003)
- Ten Team, Two-Day Test Cut Short at Kentucky: Persistent showers washed out a second day of Kentucky Speedway testing for 10 Cup Pontiac and Dodge teams hoping to fine tune their race machines during a rare break in the 2003 schedule. Among the racecars scheduled to see action on the speedway's 1.5-mile tri-oval today were #32-Ricky Craven, #7-Jimmy Spencer, #4-Mike Skinner, #45-Kyle Petty, the #10-Johnny Benson and #9-Bill Elliott. Kentucky Speedway opens its 2003 season May 9-10 with ARCA RE/MAX Series 'Channel 5-205' and The Louisville Courier Pole Night featuring a NASCAR Winston Cup Series autograph session with Craven, Larry Foyt, Sterling Marlin, Jeremy Mayfield, Jamie McMurray and Spencer. Country star Tammy Cochran will perform prior to 'The Channel 5-205.' Both season and single-event tickets for 2003 Kentucky Speedway race events are on sale now. Fans can purchase tickets by phone at 1-888-652-RACE (single-event ) or 859-578-2300 (season) or online at www.kentuckyspeedway.com or www.Tickets.com.(Kentucky Speedway)(4-18-2003)
- Richmond Testing Tuesday: Testing for the NASCAR Winston Cup Series Pontiac Excitement 400 and Hardee's 250 NASCAR Busch Series race May 2-3 began at Richmond International Raceway today. Stacy Compton, driver of the #59 Kingsford Busch Series Chevy, led practice with a speed of 122.471. The fastest lap time for the other drivers as reported by the teams include:
#81-Martin Truex, Jr. Busch, 122.338
#26-Kevin Grubb, Busch, 122.283
#2-Ron Hornaday, Busch, 121.896
#19-Chad Blount, Busch, 121.567
#97-Kurt Busch, Cup, 121.076
#37-Derrike Cope, Cup, 121.038
Testing will continue Wednesday and Thursday with more drivers scheduled to test. NASCAR Winston Cup Series drivers #21-Ricky Rudd,
#40-Sterling Marlin, #77-Dave Blaney and #14-Larry Foyt are expected along with the drivers that tested Tuesday.(RIR PR)(4-16-2003)
- Kentucky Testing Set: #10-Johnny Benson, #32-Ricky Craven, #9-Bill Elliot, #74-Tony Raines and #7-Jimmy Spencer are scheduled to test their Winston Cup cars at Kentucky Speedway Wednesday and Thursday, the track says. Ford Racing had the facility booked for Tuesday, but no testers are specified. #87-Kyle Busch and #?-Paul Menard are scheduled to test Busch Series cars Wednesday and Thursday. While testing is not open to the public, the track says fans may watch from the visitor center in turn three.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(4-16-2003)
- Testing at Lowe's UPDATE: Open testing dates have been confirmed for the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, NASCAR Busch Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, NASCAR Goody's Dash Series and the ARCA RE/MAX Series in preparation for The Winston on May 17, the May 25 Coca-Cola 600 and the other stock car events scheduled next month at Lowe's Motor Speedway. The Cup dates are:
Tuesday, April 29: 5:00 to 10:00pm/et.
Wednesday, April 30: On-Track: 12:00noon to 10:00pm/et.(Lowe's Motor Speedway PR)(4-14-2003)
UPDATE/CORRECTION: Gate 5A at the front of Lowe's Motor Speedway will be open free of charge during all of the open testing sessions.(4-15-2003)
- Testing at Kentucky UPDATE: Four Winston Cup teams and a Busch Series squad are scheduled to test at the track this week at Kentucky Speedway. #77-Dave Blaney was to test today, while #42-Jamie McMurray and #74-Tony Raines are expected to test Wednesday and Thursday. Hank Parker Jr. is also scheduled to test a Winston Cup car for Evernham Motorsports on Wednesday and Thursday, while Brewco Motorsports [#27/#37] is listed as testing a Busch entry on the same days, but no driver is named. While testing is not open to the public, the track says fans may watch from the visitor center in turn three.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)
UPDATE: Joey Clanton will be in the #27 Brewco Motorsports Pontiac, no listing of Raines in the 2nd Alert sent out by Kentucky Speedway.(4-8-2003)
- Testing at Richmond UPDATE Postponed: The first NASCAR testing of the season at Richmond International Raceway starts next week, as NASCAR Busch Series drivers #2-Ron Hornaday, #21?/43?-Johnny Sauter and #00-Troy Cline are scheduled to test on Tuesday, April 8 and Wednesday, April 9. Scheduled to test NASCAR Winston Cup Series cars April 15-16 are #21-Ricky Rudd and #97-Kurt Busch along with #31-Dave Blaney, #18-Coy Gibbs, #59-Stacey Compton, #32-Lyndon Amick, #8-Martin Truex Jr., and #19-Chad Blount who will test NASCAR Busch Series cars. #40-Sterling Marlin [Cup] and #01-Jason Rudd -Busch] will test on April 16-17 only. More drivers are expected to test on April 22-23 and other drivers may be added to the two other sessions. Fans are invited to watch testing each day. The gates will be open from 9:00am to 5:00pm/et each day. The Pontiac Excitement 400 NASCAR Winston Cup Series race on Saturday, May 3 is sold out, but tickets still remain for the Hardee's 250 NASCAR Busch Series race on Friday, May 3.(RIR PR)(4-4-2003)
UPDATE: Richmond International Raceway says Busch Series tests planned for Tuesday and Wednesday have been postponed because of expected bad weather. The track says Ron Hornaday, one of three drivers expected this week, has rescheduled his test to next week. The track says Ricky Rudd and Kurt Busch are scheduled to test their Winston Cup cars April 15 and 16, along with Busch Series drivers Dave Blaney, Coy Gibbs, Stacey Compton, Lyndon Amick, Martin Truex Jr., Chad Blount and Hornaday. Sterling Marlin and Jason Rudd will test on April 16 and 17, and more drivers are expected April 22-23. The track says gates will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day of testing for fans who want to watch and says updated lists of drivers will be posted at www.rir.com.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(4-7-2003)
- Rusty Testing by his 'Lonesome'? UPDATE: hearing #2-Rusty Wallace tested at Lonesome Pine Speedway in VA on Tuesday.
UPDATE: Rusty Wallace and the #2 Miller Lite Dodge team took to Lonesome Pine Raceway Tuesday in preparation for the upcoming Virginia 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Wallace used the 3/8 mile NASCAR Dodge Weekly Racing Series track as a platform to test and tune the #2 Dodge he will pilot in the April 13th Winston Cup race. The crew tested numerous shocks and different setups to find a winning combination to use at Martinsville. Wallace, who has not won the spring race at Martinsville since 1996, looks to combine yesterdays test session with past notes and tests to find victory lane once again. Overall, the team says the test was very beneficial.(Lonesome Pine Raceway PR) Lonesome Pine Raceway, in Coeburn, VA, kicks off its weekly racing season with the Reno’s Roadhouse 260 on Saturday, April 19th. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for students and seniors. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Racing will begin at 7 p.m. The evening schedule includes the Morgan-McClure Late Model Stock Cars, Honda of Prestonsburg Limiteds, Grand Stock, Vic’s Decorating Modified 4’s, Community Trust Bank Pure Stock 4’s and Legends. The evening will
conclude with a fireworks show.(4-2-2003)
- Martinsville Testing UPDATE 2 Speeds on Tuesday: Nine drivers are scheduled to test at Martinsville Speedway on Tuesday and Wednesday [March 31, April 1] in preparation for the April13 Virginia 500. Scheduled to test are #25-Joe Nemechek, #16-Greg Biffle, #1-Steve Park, #32-Ricky Craven, #45-Kyle Petty [may cancle or have Andretti/Fittipaldi test if he is still sore], #41-Casey Mears, #0-Jack Sprague, #4-Mike Skinner and #74-Tony Raines.(Roanoke Times)(3-30-2003)
UPDATE: Cup team testing at Martinsville and some note - testing this morning at Martinsville Speedway are #41-Casey Mears, #1-Steve Park, #15-Michael Waltrip, #32-Ricky Craven, #16-Greg Biffle, #0-Jack Sprague, #74-Tony Raines and #25-Joe Nemechek. In addition to those Winston Cup regulars, Andy Petree is here testing a Busch car. He plans on attempting to qualifying for the Advance Auto
Parts 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race and is using the Busch car to get some track time in the absence of truck testing. Darrell
Waltrip will probably get some seat time in Petree's car on Wednesday for the same reason.
Kyle Petty's #45 team is here, but obviously Kyle is still hurting. In a surprise, but explainable move David Hyder is driving the car today
and possibly tomorrow. David who? Hyder is a Late Model driver who has enjoyed great success in this region and especially at Martinsville
Speedway. He's also a member of Petty's crew. He holds the track qualifying record for Late Models at 90.227 mph (1997 Miller 300). He
also won that race. His winnings that day, $27,500, is still at Late Model record here.(Martinsville Speedway PR)
TEST SPEEDS TUESDAY: Testing is over at Martinsville Speedway for the day. Following is a list of drivers and times. Please note that David Hyder was subbing for Kyle Petty. Andy Petree was in a Busch car, getting in seat time for the Advance Auto Parts 250 (Truck Race). Also, earlier today it was noted that #15-Michael Waltrip would be testing, it was a understandable mistake as Mears' team
bought one of Waltrip's car haulers from DEI and have not repainted it. The speeds:
#74-Tony Raines, 93.281mph (20.30 sec)
#25-Joe Nemechek, 92.371 (20.50)
#16-Greg Biffle, 92.371 (20.50)
#1-Steve Park, 92.281 (20.52)
#0-Jack Sprague, 92.191 (20.54)
#32-Ricky Craven, 91.700 (20.65)
#41-Casey Mears, 91.922 (20.60)
#45-David Hyder, 91.478 (20.70)
Andy Petree, 91.170 (20.77)
Winston Cup qualifying record is 95.371mph (19.855 seconds), set by #20-Tony Stewart in the fall of 2000.(Martinsville Speedway PR)(4-1-2003)
- Testing at Kentucky: Kentucky Speedway says Jerry Nadeau is scheduled to test MB2 Motorsports' #01 Pontiac at the 1.5-mile track today. Evernham Motorsports is also scheduled to test at the facility, but the track did not disclose which driver would be on hand. Testing is closed, although fans may watch from inside the track's gift shop.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(3-26-2003)
- Testing at Greensville Pickens [not Kentucky]: #10-Johnny Benson and #32-Ricky Craven are scheduled to test at the Greenville-Pickens Speedway [SC] today [March 26th].(XM Satellite- NASCAR Radio - Subscription Required)(3-26-2003)
- Testing at Texas Thursday: #88-Dale Jarrett and #29-Kevin Harvick, who have both visited Victory Lane at Texas Motor Speedway, brought the curtain down on a busy week of testing Thursday at Texas Motor Speedway. Jarrett ran a pair of UPS Fords through their paces during the cool, windy day.. Harvick also tested a pair of GM Goodwrench Chevrolets, one brand new. Both drivers focused on race-day setups during the majority of the test.. Unofficial speeds were in the 184 mph range although Harvick hit 186 mph during one of his sessions.(TMS PR - no speeds reported)(3-21-2002)
- Testing at Texas Wednesday: Sunny weather at Texas Motor Speedway resulted in a flurry of on-track testing activity Wednesday as nine NASCAR Winston Cup and Busch Series teams prepared for the March 27-30 Samsung/RadioShack 500 race week. Former Texas NASCAR Winston Cup winners #5-Terry Labonte and #88-Dale Jarrett were joined on the 1.5-mile superspeedway by the Winston Cup teams of #2-Rusty Wallace, #29-Kevin Harvick, #83-Kerry Earnhardt and #?75-David Starr. Busch Series teams getting ready for the March 29 O'Reilly 300 included Steadman Marlin, Troy Cline and Lance Norick. Earnhardt and Cline tested the second-turn outside wall during the session. Earnhardt's Winston Cup car suffered extensive rear damage in the morning incident. Cline brushed the wall during the afternoon in his Busch machine. Neither driver was injured. The final day of testing leading into RPM Week-Texas will be staged Thursday with Harvick and Jarrett scheduled. The test sessions are private and are closed to the public.(TMS PR - no speeds reported)(3-20-2002)
- Testing at Texas: Early-day showers Tuesday postponed the start of NASCAR Winston Cup and Busch Series testing at Texas Motor Speedway until late in the afternoon.. Some teams took a limited number of laps and decided to wait for daytime testing on Wednesday. Six Winston Cup and four Busch Series teams had to wait until 3:30pm to begin testing for the March 30 Samsung/RadioShack 500 and the March 29 O'Reilly 300. The session was extended until 10:00pm, but most teams elected to wait until daylight Wednesday to do most of their testing. But for driver David Starr and his uncle and car owner Mike Starr, there is no waiting. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series regular will be attempting to qualify for his first Winston Cup race in a little over a week and the team took advantage of the track time, even at night, to get ready. Starr is scheduled to wheel a Chevrolet [no number, maybe #75?] purchased from the Kodak team of Larry McClure. Tuesday's test was the first time Starr has been able to drive the car on the speedway in this one-shot attempt at Winston Cup glory. Testing at Texas Motor Speedway continues Wednesday and Thursday. Test sessions are closed to the public. Teams participating in Tuesday's test were (no speeds listed):
NASCAR Winston Cup: #2-Rusty Wallace, #5-Terry Labonte, #29-Kevin Harvick, #?75-David Starr, #83-Kerry Earnhardt and #88-Dale Jarrett.
NASCAR Busch Series: #?0-Troy Cline, #26-Kevin Grubb, #30-Steadman Marlin, Lance Norick(TMS PR - no speeds reported)(3-19-2002)
- Texas Testing this week and an announcement: on Wednesday, March 19th, there will be a special announcement regarding the upcoming Samsung/RadioShack 500 and O'Reilly 300 at Texas Motor Speedway. Teams have also scheduled final test sessions in preparation for Texas race week. Teams are scheduled for testing Monday-Wednesday, March 17-19. Drivers scheduled are as follows:
Monday, March 17 - Busch Series:. Stanton Barrett.
Tuesday and Wednesday, March 18 and 19:
Winston Cup Drivers: #2-Rusty Wallace, #5-Terry Labonte, #29-Kevin Harvick, #30-Jeff Green, #83-Kerry Earnhardt, #88-Dale Jarrett, #75?-David Starr.
Busch Series Drivers: Troy Cline, Mike Wallace, Stanton Barrett, Kevin Grubb, Lance Norick.(TMS PR)(3-17-2003)
- Kentucky Testing this week: #6-Mark Martin, Evernham drivers #9-Bill Elliott and #19-Jeremy Mayfield are expected to join MB2's #01-Jerry Nadeau for tests at Kentucky Speedway this week. Martin is scheduled to drive Tuesday, March 11, while Elliot, Mayfield and Nadeau are scheduled to take to the track on Wednesday, March 12.(Kentucky Speedway PR)(3-10-2003)
- Open Testing at Lowe's: Winston Cup testing dates for Lowe's Motor Speedway were announced Sunday, teams have open tests scheduled at Lowe's for the evening of April 29 and all day on April 30. In addition, two days of afternoon and evening testing are set for Sept. 2-3.(NASCAR.com)(3-10-2003)
- Open Testing at Indy: Winston Cup testing dates for Indianapolis Motor Speedway were announced Sunday, two test sessions have been set for the upcoming Brickyard 400: July 8-9 and July 14-15.(NASCAR.com)(3-10-2003)
- Benson testing at Texas this week UPDATE: #10-Johnny Benson, along with many Busch Series teams, will test Tuesday at Texas Motor Speedway.(TMS PR)(3-4-2003)
UPDATE: Johnny Benson tested a pair of Valvoline Pontiac Winston Cup cars during the session on Tuesday. Benson and crew chief James Ince debuted a brand new Valvoline Pontiac and tested one of the team's other intermediate speedway cars. Benson ran in race configuration and posted a top lap of 186mph.. Bill Elliott set a new track record of 194.224 mph last year in qualifying for the Samsung/RadioShack 500. Test Week concludes Wednesday at Texas Motor Speedway. The sessions are closed to the public.(TMS PR)(3-5-2003)
- Testing at Darlington UPDATE: The testing schedule at Darlington Raceway this week has changed slightly. #42-Jamie McMurray will not be testing this week, #41-Casey Mears will test instead. #15-Micheal Waltrip will also test, along with a few Busch Series teams.(Darlington Raceway PR)(3-4-2003)
UPDATE: Rookie Casey Mears picked up his first "Darlington stripe" during Tuesday's test session at the Darlington Raceway. The #41 Target Dodge driver scrubbed the turn 4 wall during practice and it took the crew an hour to fix the damage. Mears was not injured. Michael Waltrip.is at Darlington however did not test because he is under the weather. Waltrip is schedule to turn laps on Wednesday.(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(3-5-2003)
- Burton testing at Kentucky: #99-Jeff Burton is scheduled to test Kentucky Speedway on Tuesday, March 4th(Kentucky Speedway PR)(3-4-2003)
- Atlanta Testing: five Winston Cup drivers -- #42-Jamie McMurray, #31-Robby Gordon, #38-Elliott Sadler, #11-Brett Bodine and #57-Jeff Fultz tested on Wednesday for the March 9 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500. Sadler set the fast time during Wednesday's test, posting a lap of 187.551mph [last March's pole was 191.542 by Bill Elliott]. The speeds:
Car#, Driver, Speed
#38-Elliott Sadler, 189.150
#42-Jamie McMurray, 189.086
#57-Jeff Fultz, 184.186.
#31-Robby Gordon, 182.789
#11-Brett Bodine, 181.414.(AMS PR)(2-26-2003)
- Atlanta Testing: five Winston Cup drivers -- #42-Jamie McMurray, #31-Robby Gordon, #38-Elliott Sadler, #11-Brett Bodine and #57-Jeff Fultz tested on Tuesday for the March 9 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500. Bodine set the fast time during Tuesday's test, posting a lap of 187.551mph [last March's pole was 191.542 by Bill Elliott]. The speeds:
Car#, Driver, Speed
#11-Brett Bodine, 187.551
#31-Robby Gordon, 186.040
#38-Elliott Sadler, 185.853
#42-Jamie McMurray, 185.729
#57-Jeff Fultz, 178.781.
Atlanta race fans are still welcome to attend the Wednesday, Feb. 26 free open test session and cheer for the drivers on hand.(AMS PR)(2-25-2003)
- Darlington Testing for McMurray: #42-Jamie McMurray will test at Darlington Raceway on Tues and Wed, March 4th and 5th.(Darlington PR)(2-25-2003)
- Kentucky Testing Wiped out again: A seemingly endless pattern of snow, rain and ice has suspended NASCAR Winston Cup testing for a second straight week at Kentucky Speedway, which has become a favorite among teams preparing to race at Las Vegas.. Those who may have gained an edge for this Sunday's NASCAR Winston Cup event in Las Vegas are those of Mark Martin, Jeff Burton, Ricky Craven, Ricky Rudd, Rusty Wallaceand Dave Blaney, Elliott Sadler and Ryan Newman. The first six drivers visited Kentucky Speedway in late January. The latter two tested in November. More than 24 NASCAR Winston Cup Series drivers, including 2002 champion Tony Stewart and 2002 race winner Sterling Marlin, tested at Las Vegas from January 27-30.(Kentucky Speedway PR)(2-25-2003)
- Newman testing at Atlanta UPDATE 3: Ryan Newman will test his No. 12 Alltel Dodge Tuesday and Wednesday at Atlanta Motor Speedway in preparation for the March 9 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500. Newman comes to Atlanta as a real threat to win the pole. In his first trip to Atlanta, a test session with Penske Racing, Newman set the fastest laps of the season's tests. During his next visit, with the BGN, Newman shattered the BGN qualifying record en route to the pole. In his two Cup starts last year, he started second and sixth - and both were huge disappointments. Tickets start at just $59 for a three-day weekend package and just $25 for Sunday's Winston Cup race. Call the Atlanta Motor Speedway ticket office now to reserve your seats at (770) 946-4211.(AMS PR)
UPDATE: #25-Bobby Hamilton Jr also was at AMS testing his BGN car, #21-Ricky Rudd was to test but the team couldn't make it due to heavy snow in Virginia, the home of the Wood Brothers team.(XM Radio Satellite - NASCAR Radio)
UPDATE 2: Newman ran in the 190.500mph range on Tuesday.(FSN's Totally NASCAR)(2-19-2003)
UPDATE 3: Ryan Newman continued testing Wednesday at Atlanta. Newman unofficially turned in a top lap 191.503mph when clocked by Atlanta Motor Speedway's amateur timers. His lap just a fraction shy of Bill Elliott's March 2002 winning pole speed of 191.542mph.(AMS PR)(2-20-2003)
- Hamilton Jr to run Atlanta UPDATE: Bobby Hamilton Jr tested a Winston Cup that Team Rensi (his BGN team) plans to run at Atlanta in March.(FSN's Totally NASCAR)(2-19-2003)
UPDATE: It's been almost two years since Bobby Hamilton Jr. ran a Winston Cup race, but he believes there is no better place to make his initial 2003 Winston Cup start than Atlanta Motor Speedway. In order to prepare for his return to Winston Cup, Hamilton Jr. tested Tuesday and Wednesday at Atlanta Motor Speedway, posting a top speed of 185.853 mph before packing up just before lunch on Wednesday. Although he is the full-time driver of the #25 Team Marines Ford for 2003 in the BGN, Hamilton Jr. has the opportunity to run
a limited Winston Cup schedule this year. So when it came time to choose the tracks where he would run, Atlanta was an easy choice.(AMS PR)(2-20-2003)
- Cup Testing At KentuckySpeedway Hindered By Weather: A weather system producing snow, freezing rain and ice delayed scheduled testing for Chip Ganassi/Felix Sabates Racing and Robert Yates Racing scheduled at Kentucky Speedway for Monday and Tuesday, February 17-18. Temperatures are expected to creep into the 40s by midweek which may allow Dale Earnhardt, Inc., and Evernham Motorsports to hold their scheduled tests on Wednesday, February 19.(Kentucky Speedway PR)
UPDATE: all testing for this week has been canceled or postponed.(XM Radio Satellite - NASCAR Radio)(2-19-2003)
- Texas Testing: Several teams {not sure which exact teams/driovers] will be testing at Texas Motor Speedway over the next few weeks. Bill Davis Racing (#22 and #23 - March 3) and Joe Gibbs Racing (#18 and #20 - March 4) are the first Winston Cup teams scheduled to test. They will be followed by Roush Racing (#6, #16, #17, #97, #99 - March 17) and Hendrick Motorsports (#5, #24, #25, #48 - March 18). Test sessions are closed to the public.(TMS PR)(2-12-2003)
- Testing at Atlanta: #12-Ryan Newman will be testing at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Feb. 18-19, closed to the public. On Feb. 25-26, #41-Casey Mears, #42-Jamie McMurray, #15-Michael Waltrip, #0-Jack Sprague, #38-Elliott Sadler and #10-Johnny Benson are scheduled to test, also, closed to public. Tickets still available to the AMS races in March and Oct, see their revamped site at www.atlantamotorpseedway.com.(2-4-2003)
- Andretti Testing in FL: hearing that #43-John Andretti will be testing at USA International Speedway in Lakeland Fl, on Tuesday February 4th and Wednesday February 5th.(2-4-2003)
- Testing at the Rock: The following drivers will be at North Carolina Speedway Monday – Tuesday, February 3 - 4 testing for the upcoming NASCAR weekend February 21 - 23, 2003: #38-Elliott Sadler, #29-Kevin Harvick, #42-Jamie McMurray, #41-Casey Mears, #12-Ryan Newman, #32-Ricky Craven, #0-Jack Sprague. For the BGN: #25-Bobby Hamilton, Jr. Grandstand Gates are open 9:00am - 4:00pm/et and the general public is invited to view the test session from the grandstand.(North Carolina Speedway PR via Catchefence)(2-3-2003)
- Las Vegas Testing - Day 4 - Spencer fastest: #7-Jimmy Spencer turned the day's fastest speed at 165.593mph. #74-Tony Raines was second fastest at 163.636, followed by #07-Ted Musgrave at 163.241, #23-Kenny Wallace at 163.142 and #02-Brandon Ash at 159.763. Thursday completed the four-day LVMS test. In all, 27 NASCAR Winston Cup cars and 18 NASCAR Busch Series cars participated in the test in preparation for the March 2 UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 NASCAR Winston Cup race and the March 1 Sam's Town 300 NASCAR Busch Series race.(Las Vegas Motor Speedway)(1-31-2003)
- Six Teams Test at Kentucky: Winston Cup Series drivers #6-Mark Martin, #99-Jeff Burton, #32-Ricky Craven, #21-Ricky Rudd and #2-Rusty Wallace had a full day of testing today at the Kentucky Speedway. Temperatures were in the low 30s. No speeds were announced. Both season and single-event tickets for 2003 Kentucky Speedway race events are on sale now. More info at their website: www.kentuckyspeedway.com.(1-31-2003)
- Las Vegas Testing - Day 3 - Stewart fastest: #20-Tony Stewart turned the week's fastest lap on Wednesday with a speedc of 168.750mph. Followed by #18-Bobby Labonte at 166.103 and #41-Casey Mears at 165.644. No other speeds were reported, 26 NASCAR Winston Cup and Busch Series teams tested. Eddy McKean, a NASCAR Winston West regular, brought out the day's only caution flag when he spun and made hard contact with the wall in turn 4. McKean was uninjured, but his BGN car, which was the only one he had for the test, was destroyed.
Testing will continue and conclude on Thursday beginning at 9:00am and runs until 5:00pm. The grandstands are open to the public free of charge and concession stands will be open during the test.(Las Vegas Motor Speedway)(1-30-2003)
- Las Vegas Testing - Day 2 - Johnson fastest: For the second straight day #48-Jimmie Johnson led all drivers with a fast lap in race trim with a speed of 168.666mph. #24-Jeff Gordon was 2nd fastest at 168.010, #97-Kurt Busch at 167.681, #1-Steve Park at 167.053 #20-Tony Stewart at 165.776 mph). #16-Greg Biffle was involved in a minor incident in the morning session. Biffle had a tire go down, forcing him to hit the wall going into Turns 3 and 4. He was uninjured. Testing will continue Wednesday and Thursday as more than 22 teams are expected for Wednesday's test. The testing begins daily at 9:00am and runs until 5:00pm. The grandstands are open to the public free of charge and concession stands will be open during the test.(Las Vegas Motor Speedway)(1-29-2003)
- Las Vegas Testing Monday - Day 1: #54-Todd Bodine was fastest in qualifying trim and #48-Jimmie Johnson was fastest in racing trim, the top five speeds in racing trim:
#48-Jimmie Johnson, 168.202mph
#24-Jeff Gordon, 167.175
#49-Ken Schrader, 166.572
#16-Greg Biffle, 166.401
#97-Kurt Busch, 165.812
Fastest Winston Cup car in qualifying trim:
#54-Todd Bodine, 169.800mph.(LVMS PR)(1-28-2003)
- Las Vegas Open Testing Roster: Jan.27-30 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:
The testing begins daily at 9:00am and runs until 5:00pm. The grandstands are open to the public free of charge and concession stands will be open during the test.
Jan. 27-28
#24-Jeff Gordon
#48-Jimmie Johnson
#25-Joe Nemechek
#19-Jeremy Mayfield
#16-Greg Biffle
#97-Kurt Busch
#22-Ward Burton
#49-Ken Schrader
#1-Steve Park
#10-Johnny Benson
#4-Mike Skinner
#0-Jack Sprague
#30-Jeff Green
Jan. 28-29
#43-John Andretti
#41-Casey Mears
#42-Jamie McMurray
#18-Bobby Labonte
#20-Tony Stewart
Jan. 29-30
#74-Tony Raines
#01-Jerry Nadeau
#?-Brandon Ash
#7-Jimmy Spencer
#07-Ted Musgrave
#23-Kenny Wallace
(LVMS PR)(1-10/23-2003)
- Testing at Las Vegas in Jan: Many Cup teams/drivers will be at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Jan. 27-30, 2003, for the largest test session outside of Daytona. In past years, as many as 50 teams from the Cup and BGN have used LVMS' 1.5-mile superspeedway to prepare for the UAW-DaimlerChrylser 400, Sam's Town 300 and the upcoming season. #20-Tony Stewart, #24-Jeff Gordon, #42-Jamie McMurray and #41-Casey Mears have informed speedway officials that they will participate in the test session. Once again, the speedway's grandstands will be open free of charge to race fans wanting to watch the testing. There will be no public admittance to the pit areas. LVMS will announce a complete list of participants in the test the week prior to the test. In addition to the superspeedway, the Bullring will be active on Thursday, Feb. 27 with a 100-lap Super Late Model race and the dirt track will host the World of Outlaws Sprint Car series on Feb. 28 and March 1.(Las Vegas Motor Speedway PR)(12-18-2002)
- Some Cup Testing at Kentucky....maybe: Kentucky Speedway became a hotbed for NASCAR Winston Cup Series testing near the end of the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup season. Testing scheduled for December 2002 and January 2003 has been limited by an arctic weather pattern that brought periodic snow and 10-, 20- and 30-degree temperatures to the Sparta, Ky., region. The last NASCAR Winston Cup drivers to test on Kentucky's 1.5-mile tri-oval were Rusty Wallace and Casey Mears on December 20, 2002 and Jeff Green, Kevin Harvick and Robby Gordon on December 16, 2002. The severe weather pattern is scheduled to break later this week as 40-degree temperatures are predicted for January 30-31. NASCAR Winston Cup drivers #99-Jeff Burton, #32-Ricky Craven and #2-Rusty Wallace are scheduled to test at the track [Jan 30-31]. #88-Dale Jarrett, #6-Mark Martin, #21-Ricky Rudd and #38-Elliott Sadler are scheduled to test on Tuesday, January 28, however, rain and snow are predicted that day.(Kentucky Speedway PR)(1-28-2003)
- Gibbs, DEI testing: Joe Gibbs Racing and DEI, both Chevrolet teams trying to get a handle on the cars' new bodies, added a stop at the proving grounds at Mesa, Ariz., before they were to take their downforce cars to Las Vegas earlier this week. Teams can test on a nearly perfect 5-mile circle and a 2.4-mile straightaway at Mesa.(Sporting News)(1-27-2003)
- Newman tests at Nashville: #12-Ryan Newman was at Nashville Superspeedway working with his crew Wednesday in preparation for the upcoming Winston Cup season. Newman, last season's rookie of the year, traveled to Nashville from his home near Charlotte, N.C., to continue making the adjustment from racing in a Ford to a Dodge. ''We lose time making the switch, but we're trying to make time to try all the things that we want to try out through the year,'' Newman said. ''We're trying to figure out some things mechanically as well as aerodynamically and this seems to be a pretty good track for that. 'At the same time we struggled a little bit on the concrete tracks last year like Bristol and Dover, so we're trying to get a little grip on the tire and the surface.'' Newman's goal for this season is to win the points championship, so that was another reason for spending a cold day at the superspeedway. He said Nashville's track is similar to the tracks in Las Vegas and Kansas City.(Tennessean)(1-23-2003)
- #54 Testing at Talladega this week UPDATE: While the teams learned a lot about setting up cars for qualifying during the Daytona tests, they still have to concern themselves with the race. Brand new BelCar Racing, which announced the partnership between Sam Belnavis and Travis Carter last week, is one team that expects to test at Talladega this week, and it's possible Todd Bodine could be the driver. Carter was pleased with the progress made by the #54 Ford at Daytona, but he knows the team needs to find more speed. Carter appointed former chief engineer Derrick Finley crew chief. Finley worked with Philippe Lopez at Dale Earnhardt Inc. and moved with him to Carter's in 1999. Billy Poindexter, formerly with Dale Jarrett's team, has been hired as car chief.(Sporting News)(1-20-2003)
UPDATE: other teams/drivers testing at Talladega this week include #33/#55-Christian Fittipaldi (will drive the #33 in the Daytona 500), #5-Terry Labonte, #17-Matt Kenseth in his BGN car and Andy Belmont in his ARCA car, #21-Ricky Rudd is also scheduled to test at Talladega this week.(1-21-2003)
- Daytona 500 Testing is over:
Session 1: #09-Mike Wallace, 184.053mph (1st overall)
Session 2: #45-Kyle Petty, 183.733 (3rd overall)
Best Speed: #09-Mike Wallace, 184.053
Drafting Session 1: #97-Kurt Busch, 184.999 (9th overall)
Drafting Session 2: #23-Kenny Wallace, 185.801 (1st overall)
Best Drafting Speed Overall: #23B-Kenny Wallace, 185.801
See my Daytona 500 Speeds Links:
2003 Daytona 500 Session 1 speeds page
2003 Daytona 500 Session 2 speeds page
2003 Daytona 500 Testing - Drafting Speeds
2003 Daytona 500 Testing - Cumulative Speeds
2002 Daytona 500 Testing
2002 Daytona 500 Testing Session 1 - Jan 7-9 page
2002 Daytona 500 Testing Session 2 - Jan 15-17 page
- Talladega rained out Tuesday and delayed Wednesday: The wet weather that postponed Tuesday’s Dodge test session at Talladega Superspeedway was also wet enough to delay Wednesday’s testing until nearly 2:00pm/et. The Dodge test session at Talladega was to have ended Tuesday with the two-day Ford test session beginning on Wednesday. With Tuesday’s cancellation, that left both the Ford and Dodge camps in the NASCAR Winston Cup garage on Wednesday with a total of 20 cars – 10 Dodges, 10 Fords. Teams are preparing for the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season. Representing the Dodge camp were Chip Ganassi Racing drivers #40-Sterling Marlin, #42-Jamie McMurray and #41-Casey Mears; Evernham Motorsports, with #9-Bill Elliott and #19-Jeremy Mayfield; Petty Enterprises, with #45-Kyle Petty; Bill Davis Racing, with #22-Ward Burton and Gary Bradberry in the #23; and Penske Racing South, with #12-Ryan Newman and Buddy Baker in the #2 Dodge. Representing Fords were Roush Racing drivers #6-Mark Martin, #99-Jeff Burton, #97-Kurt Busch, #16-Greg Biffle and Clay Rodgers in the #17; Yates Racing with #88-Dale Jarrett and #38-Elliott Sadler; the Wood Brothers with #21-Ricky Rudd; Haas/Carter Motorsports
with Geoffrey Bodine in the #26; and Jasper Motorsports with Jeff Fultz in the #77.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(12-12-2002)
- Testing at Talladega in Dec? UPDATE 3: According to NASCAR sources there will be a speedway test at Talladega Superspeedway for the Dodge and Ford teams in December. The test was arranged after the Dodge and Ford teams explained that they’re basically working with new cars and they should be entitled to see what effects the 2003 rules package changes have brought. The tentative two-day test is slated for Dec. 9 -10.(Ford Racing)(11-10-2002)
UPDATE: so far have heard #40-Sterling Marlin (yes he has been cleared) and the #23 Bill Davis Racing team with Scott Wimmer will test (Kenny Wallace is on a cruise).(12-8-2002)
UPDATE 2: hearing the test has been expanded by two days to Dec 12th due [but each team is allowed 2 days testing] to the power outages in the Charlotte area due to the recent snow/ice storm. Also hearing Clay Rogers will be testing the #17 Ford for Matt Kenseth.(12-9-2002)
UPDATE 3: Sterling Marlin got back behind the wheel of his #40 Coors Light Chip Ganassi Racing Dodge on Monday during a Dodge manufacturer’s test at Talladega Superspeedway preparing for the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Season. Marlin was joined by fellow Chip Ganassi Racing teams with #41-Casey Mears and #42-Jamie McMurray; Evernham Motorsports, with #9-Bill Elliott and #19-Jeremy Mayfield; Petty Enterprises, with #45-Kyle Petty; Bill Davis Racing, with #22-Ward Burton and #23-Scott Wimmer; and Penske Racing South, with #12-Ryan Newman and Buddy Baker in the #2 Dodge. “I felt comfortable. Very comfortable,” said Marlin, who got back behind the wheel of his car for the first time since late September. Two days before qualifying for the EA SPORTS 500 at Talladega, it was announced that Marlin would miss the remainder of the season. Marlin, who was in the thick of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series championship hunt, was forced to sit out the final seven races of the 2002 season with a fracture of the No. 2 cervical vertebra. He was cleared to resume his driving duties on Dec. 5. Marlin and his fellow NASCAR Winston Cup Series competitors will return to Talladega Superspeedway for the Aaron’s Dream Weekend, April 3-6, 2003. Tickets still remain for the NWC Aaron’s 499, as well as Saturday’s doubleheader with the Busch Series Aaron’ s 312 and the IROC Racing Series. Fans who wish to stake their claim for the 2003 Aaron’s Dream Weekend can call (256) 362-RACE or visit talladegasuperspeedway.com. A Virtual 3D Seating program is available online, allowing fans to take
a look at the vantage point from different sections before selecting their seats. The two-day Dodge manufacturer’s test will continue
Tuesday at Talladega Superspeedway.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(12-9-2002)
- 2003 Chevy's fast at testing? Sources say the #18 Chevrolet, driven by Bobby Labonte, was quickest during the two-day testing session at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where several teams shaved more than a second from the lap times they ran during the Winston Cup season finale there. GM motorsports director Doug Duchardt received a lot of positive comments about the balance of the new cars. The 2003 GM [Monte Carlo and Grand Prix] models will make their debuts in February at the Daytona 500.(Sporting News)(12-2-2002)
- Ford to Test at Kentucky: Ford Racing has scheduled Winston Cup testing at Kentucky Speedway tomorrow. The track doesn't say which teams are expected to be on hand, but Ford has signed a two-year deal that gives its teams a chance to test there every Tuesday. While the session is not open to the public, the track's Web site says fans can watch from the front of the visitor center, located in the corner of turn three.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(12-2-2002)
- No December Testing? Several months ago NASCAR, along with several time-generous teams, tested several car configurations [The Big Car Tests] at Daytona International Speedway. The tests were part of the ongoing NASCAR strategy to find an aero package that'll give the drivers a bit more control over their destiny during a speedway event. Those tests, which were cut short by rain, gave the sanctioning body a few ideas to work with. Perhaps the most promising of those was a car with a raised front valance and lowered rear blade. The package reduced the total downforce on the cars and forced the drivers to work the throttle on a motor with a larger restrictor plate. The going theory, prior to the test being canceled by weather, was that NASCAR would find a few teams willing to visit Daytona in the month of December and continue on the path they were exploring. Those plans however have been consumed by the reality that the common template cars, which will be introduced in 2003, would skew the results and make any testing with older generation cars impractical. "We've delayed that a little bit because we don't want to muddy the waters with what we're trying to achieve in 2003," said NASCAR Winston Cup Technical Director John Darby, recently. "We can still take all the 2002 cars and test a concept. If lower downforce at Daytona and Talladega was a concept for the testing we could still use our existing cars, but for everybody to understand the concept the first huge stumbling block of confusion that comes in is why are you running at Daytona with a 2002 Monte Carlo when it's going away? We ask ourselves if it makes sense to do that, too, because even trying to force that issue to understand that all we're testing is big downforce versus less downforce, there are still enough differences in the 2003 cars where we can't apply it directly. So I think the feeling is although we'd still like to pursue that concept we want to hold up a little bit before to where we can do it with the cars we're racing." Asked why the tests couldn't continue to get a general consensus on the lower downforce car while the teams worked on the 2003 common template cars Darby replied, "It's two separate projects. We work every day looking at new stuff. We have to. It's the only way we can stay level and try to improve the sport. We've got the 2003 car project going on and all the teams are building them. At the same time we're investigating and testing and R&D-ing on a lot of different concepts not only for Daytona and Talladega but for every race track that we go to. Once the engineering part of that is complete we can start applying that to real world by going and doing some testing with the ideas and concepts."(Ford Racing)(11-27-2002)
- More Kentucky Testing: Christian Fittipaldi continued his stock car education while Hank Parker, Jr., mulled his racing future during Dodge testing for Petty Enterprises and Evernham Motorsports at Kentucky Speedway. Parker, Jr., visited Kentucky with Evernham Motorsports to test its 2003 engine program. The 28-year-old driver, who finished 14thin the 2002 BGN with Jesel Motorsports, said he is weighing his future after team title sponsor GNC announced it would not return to the BGN in 2003. Fittipaldi was a surprise addition to the Kentucky Speedway test roster. Petty Enterprises Crew Chief Gary Putnam said Fittipaldi will run an undetermined mix of ARCA, BGN and Winston Cup Series events in 2003. Putnam, who moved from MB2/Valvoline to Petty Enterprises in September, said the 31-year-old Petty prodigy is making quick progress up the stock car learning curve.(Kentucky Speedway PR)(11-22-2002)
- Testing at Kentucky: Bill Davis Racing, Evernham Motorsports, Roush Racing and Robert Yates Racing begin testing for the 2003 season at Kentucky Speedway this week. Drivers scheduled to take to the track include Kenny Wallace [11/21], Hank Parker, Jr.[11/21], Mark Martin[11/20], and Elliott Sadler[11/19-20]. The site also has Herzog Motorsports doing Winston Cup testing, they ran in BGN in 2002 and Ricky Rudd testing the #21 on 11/26.(Kentucky Speedway PR)(11-19-2002)
- Testing set for GM's 2003 models: General Motors Racing is conducting a test at Homestead Monday and Tuesday, giving its Winston Cup and Grand National teams an opportunity to shake down their new 2003 Chevrolet and Pontiac entries. Winston Cup teams expected to participate include Hendrick Motorsports, MB2/MBV Motorsports, Dale Earnhardt Inc., Morgan-McClure Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing, PPI Motorsports and BACE Motorsports.(ThatsRacin.com)
UPDATE: Less than 24 hours after the 2002 Winston Cup season came to an end, testing was scheduled today for teams looking ahead to the 2003 season. GM Racing was to open a two-day test at Homestead-Miami Speedway this morning for Winston Cup teams to shake down their new 2003 Monte Carlo and Grand Prix entries. GM said those expected to take part included the Chevrolet teams of Hendrick Motorsports (#s 5, 24 and 25), Dale Earnhardt Inc. (#'s 1 and 15), Richard Childress Racing (#s 29 and 30) and BACE Motorsports (#74). Pontiac teams include MB2/MBV Motorsports (#s 01 and 10), Morgan-McClure Motorsports (#4) and PPI Motorsports (No. 32). GM said four Busch Series teams would also test: Nemco Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing, Innovative Motorsports and BACE Motorsports.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter), also Joe Gibbs Racing was there as Tony Stewart was at the track testing the #20 Chevy.(Speed Channel's Inside Winston Cup show, where Stewart was interviewed)(11-18-2002)
- 2003 GM Test Scheduled UPDATE: The GM teams will test their new cars at Homestead-Miami Speedway the day after the season finale at Homestead, Fla. No 2002 models will be allowed during the open test session. It is expected the GM teams will thoroughly test the front downforce in the new noses.(Ford Racing)(10-27-2002)
UPDATE: Joe Gibbs Racing will be part of a General Motors test Monday and Tuesday at Homestead. For the first time since 1996, it will be as a Chevrolet team. But Jimmy Makar, who now heads the two-car program, doesn't think switching from Pontiac will make that much of a difference given the common templates NASCAR has mandated for next year. "The only difference is the nose and tail section and the window," said Makar, who helped shape the new Pontiac model this summer. The advantage to switching cars, Makar said, is to have the same equipment as other top teams. That will give Stewart and 2000 champ Bobby Labonte a better gauge.(Indianapolis Star)(11-15-2002)
- Tests to dwindle: The number of official tests on Winston Cup tracks will drop from seven to five per driver next season, NASCAR told teams at Phoenix. Rookies, who had 12 tests each, will have nine next season. The Indianapolis test is no longer mandatory -- only Daytona in January. Teams can test all they want at tracks not on the Cup schedule -- such as Kentucky, St. Louis and Milwaukee -- and teams that have money will.(Sporting News)(11-11-2002)
- 2003 GM Test Scheduled The GM teams will test their new cars at Homestead-Miami Speedway the day after the season finale at Homestead, Fla. No 2002 models will be allowed during the open test session. It is expected the GM teams will thoroughly test the front downforce in the new noses.(Ford Racing)(10-27-2002)
