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 theyre 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’ 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’ Dream Weekend, April 3-6, 2003. Tickets still remain for the NWC Aaron’ 499, as well as Saturday’ doubleheader with the Busch Series Aaron s 312 and the IROC Racing Series. Fans who wish to stake their claim for the 2003 Aaron’ 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’ test will continue Tuesday at Talladega Superspeedway.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(12-9-2002)
