NASCAR fans had a rare opportunity to watch an open team test at Atlanta Motor Speedway, as Sprint Cup Series drivers turned laps while evaluating NASCAR’s new, low-downforce aero package that will be utilized full time in 2016. Joey Logano, winner of three straight races, Dawsonville native Chase Elliott, Kurt Busch, Ryan Blaney, David Ragan, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Aric Almirola all participated in the test, which was open to one driver and car from each Sprint Cup Series team. The new rules package, which will be run for the first time in 2016 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, includes a 3.5-inch rear spoiler, a .25-inch front splitter leading edge and a 33-inch-wide radiator pan. It is designed for drivers to play a larger role in handling and maneuvering and allow for easier conditions to pass on the race track. Early on in the morning session, Aric Almirola clocked a lap time of 30.544 seconds, hitting 185.198 miles per hour, while Ricky Stenhouse Jr. touched just under 185 miles per hour and a lap time of 30.698. Later in the afternoon, Kurt Busch hit a speed of 176.518 miles per hour, and Joey Logano broke 177 miles per hour with a lap time of 31.004 in the warmer afternoon air.(Atlanta Motor Speedway)(10-30-2015)
