UPDATE: NASCAR announced changes in testing policies for the 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, increasing the number of tests available to teams at facilities hosting events on the three 2004 national series schedules.
For the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup and the NASCAR Busch Series, the new policies allow for five two-day private-car tests and four single-day tests (14 total days); teams with Rookie of the Year candidates will be permitted seven two-day tests and five single-day tests (19 total days). Previously, teams were allowed five two-day tests while rookies were allowed nine two-day tests.
For the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, all manufacturers will be allotted two two-day test sessions at a track of their choice, provided the track hosts a series event. In addition, each team will be allotted two private, two-day tests ÃÂÃÂ thus increasing the maximum number of test days to eight. Those tests must be at a track on the series schedule, provided all series races at that track have been held.
In addition:
* As in the past, all teams are free to test at facilities that do not host national series events, with those tests not counting toward their allotment.
* For the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup and NASCAR Busch Series, new teams or those not among the top 45 in the 2003 owner points and/or in the top 45 in the current seasonÃÂÃÂs owner points will receive one two-day test and one single-day test (total of three days) until they attempt to qualify for a race. Each time a qualification attempt is made, teams will receive an additional two-day/single-day allotment, up to the maximum amount.
* The three-day test sessions at NASCAR Preseason Thunder count as a two-day test for all teams in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup and NASCAR Busch Series. NASCAR Preseason Thunder does not count against NASCAR Craftsman Truck teamsÃÂÃÂallotment.(NASCAR PR)(1-7-2004)