Daytona Testing

[Jonesi]

http://www.speedtv.com/articles/nextel/nascar/42238/

http://www.jayski.com/stats/testing/testing2008daytona1.htm
Also Jayski has some updated info (Tony Stewart in 2nd group, Brendan Gaughan filling in for Robby Gordon who's running Dakar, etc)

No surprises on sponsorship, although #00 is listed as Aaron's Toyota.

[Nicholas Morse]

If I had a say at MWR, I would have it like this.

#00 testing: DR - 60% of testing, McDowell - 20%, Wise 20%
#44 testing: DJ - 60% of testing, DR - 40%

Those guys are gonna be running and they should get some seat time in that type of car.

-nic

[RaceFanStan]

Nicholas, I imagine you could have some input to Michael Waltrip Racing ...
IF you invested $20 million ! http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g202/gr8link/orn/00.gif

[RaceFanStan]

PRESEASON THUNDER ~ TESTING @ DAYTONA

Testing dates for the 50th Daytona 500 on February 17, 2008 :
The Cup Series teams will be split into 2 groups based on OWNER POINTS after the 19th race @ Chicago
January 7-9 (10 rain date) ~ First group of Sprint Cup Series teams to test
January 14-16 (17 rain date) ~ Second group of Sprint Cup Series teams to test

Other Testing Dates for DAYTONA PRESEASON THUNDER include:
January 4-6, Rolex Sports Car Series, ALL teams test
January 11-13, Craftsman Truck Series, ALL teams test
January 18-22, Nationwide Series, 2 different test sessions

[RaceFanStan]

Drivers Expected To Participate In The First Cup Test Session
AJ Allmendinger (#84 Toyota)
Aric Almirola (#8 Chevy)
Greg Biffle (#16 Ford)
Clint Bowyer (#07 Chevy)
Kurt Busch (#2 Dodge)
Kyle Busch (#18 Toyota)
Carl Edwards (#99 Ford)
Jeff Gordon (#24 Chevy)
Jimmie Johnson (#48 Chevy)
Matt Kenseth (#17 Ford)
Travis Kvapil (#28 Ford)
Mark Martin (#8 Chevy)
Casey Mears (#5 Chevy)
Juan Montoya (#42 Dodge)
Kyle Petty (#45 Dodge)
David Reutimann (#00 Toyota)
Scott Riggs (#70 Chevy)
Elliott Sadler (#19 Dodge)
Reed Sorenson (#41 Dodge)
Martin Truex Jr (#1 Chevy)
Jacques Villeneuve (#27 Toyota)
JJ Yeley (#96 Toyota)
Robby Gordon (#7 Ford)

Drivers Expected To Participate In The Second Cup Test Session
John Andretti (#49 Dodge)
Dave Blaney (#22 Toyota)
Jeff Burton (#31 Chevy)
Patrick Carpentier (#10 Dodge)
Dale Earnhardt Jr (#88 Chevy)
Dario Franchitti (#40 Dodge)
David Gilliland (#38 Ford)
Denny Hamlin (#11 Toyota)
Kevin Harvick (#29 Chevy)
Sam Hornish Jr (#77 Dodge)
Kasey Kahne (#9 Dodge)
Bobby Labonte (#43 Dodge)
Jeremy Mayfield (#66 Chevy)
Jamie McMurray (#26 Ford)
Paul Menard (#15 Chevy)
Ryan Newman (#12 Dodge)
David Ragan (#6 Ford)
Regan Smith (#01 Chevy)
Brian Vickers (#83 Toyota)
Michael Waltrip (#55 Toyota)
Tony Stewart (#20 Toyota)
Bill Elliott (#21 Ford)

Drivers and/or teams eligible to test but not listed
#44 Toyota - Dale Jarrett (will likely test, date unknown)
#78 Chevy - Joe Nemechek (will likely test, date unknown)
#4 Chevy - Morgan McClure (will likely test, date & driver unknown)
#09 Chevy - Sterling Marlin
#33 Chevy - Scott Wimmer
#37 Chevy - Eric McClure
#60 Ford - Boris Said
#?? Chevy - James Hylton (was #58 but unknown if he will compete in 2008)
#50 Chevy - Stanton Barrett
#89 Dodge - Morgan Shepherd
#?? Chevy - Kirk Shelmerdine (was #27 but Villeneuve took that number)

[Jonesi]

Drivers and/or teams eligible to test but not listed
#44 Toyota - Dale Jarrett (will likely test, date unknown)
Don't know why he's not listed, unless the team is trying to decide if they'll put McDowell or Wise in to get experience.

#78 Chevy - Joe Nemechek (will likely test, date unknown)
#4 Chevy - Morgan McClure (will likely test, date & driver unknown)
#09 Chevy - Sterling Marlin
#33 Chevy - Scott Wimmer
#37 Chevy - Eric McClure
#60 Ford - Boris Said
I think the above guys will show and the ones below probably won't.

#?? Chevy - James Hylton (was #58 but unknown if he will compete in 2008)
#50 Chevy - Stanton Barrett
#89 Dodge - Morgan Shepherd
#?? Chevy - Kirk Shelmerdine (was #27 but Villeneuve took that number)

(BTW Joe Gibbs month just opened up to spend more time with his race teams.)

[Jonesi]

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Monday morning's speeds

1. Jimmie Johnson (http://www.scenedaily.com/drivers/jimmie_johnson/), No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet (http://www.scenedaily.com/search/?op=query&q=%22Chevrolet%22), 184.782 mph
2. Casey Mears (http://www.scenedaily.com/drivers/casey_mears/), No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, 184.574
3. Jacques Villeneuve (http://www.scenedaily.com/search/?op=query&q=%22Jacques%20Villeneuve%22), No. 27 Bill David (http://www.scenedaily.com/search/?op=query&q=%22Bill%20David%22) Racing Toyota, 183.329
4. AJ Allmendinger (http://www.scenedaily.com/search/?op=query&q=%22AJ%20Allmendinger%22), No. 84 Red Bull Racing Toyota, 183.296
5. Jeff Gordon (http://www.scenedaily.com/drivers/jeff_gordon/), No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, 183.042
6. Kyle Busch (http://www.scenedaily.com/drivers/kyle_busch/), No. 18 Joe Gibbs Racing (http://www.scenedaily.com/search/?op=query&q=%22Joe%20Gibbs%20Racing%22) Toyota, 182.931
7. J.J. Yeley (http://www.scenedaily.com/search/?op=query&q=%22JJ%20Yeley%22), No. 96 Hall of Fame Racing Toyota, 182.704
8. David Reutimann, No. 00 Michael Waltrip (http://www.scenedaily.com/drivers/michael_waltrip/) Racing Toyota, 182.485
9. Juan Pablo Montoya (http://www.scenedaily.com/search/?op=query&q=%22Juan%20Pablo%20Montoya%22), No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Dodge, 182.186
10. Travis Kvapil, No. 28 Yates Racing Ford, 182.171
11. Joe Nemecek (http://www.scenedaily.com/search/?op=query&q=%22Joe%20Nemecek%22), No. 78 Furniture Row Racing Chevrolet, 182.068
12. Greg Biffle (http://www.scenedaily.com/drivers/greg_biffle/), No. 16 Roush Fenway Racing Ford, 181.991
13. Kurt Busch (http://www.scenedaily.com/drivers/kurt_busch/), No. 2 Penske (http://www.scenedaily.com/search/?op=query&q=%22Penske%22) Racing Dodge, 181.748
14. Matt Kenseth, No. 17 Roush Fenway Racing Ford, 181.668
15. Elliott Sadler (http://www.scenedaily.com/drivers/elliott_sadler/), No. 19 Gillett Evernham (http://www.scenedaily.com/search/?op=query&q=%22Gillett%20Evernham%22) Motorsports Dodge, 181.624
16. Carl Edwards (http://www.scenedaily.com/drivers/carl_edwards/), No. 99 Roush Fenway Racing Ford, 181.616
17. Reed Sorenson, No. 41 Chip Ganassi Racing Dodge, 181.543
18. Kyle Petty, No. 45 Petty Enterprises (http://www.scenedaily.com/search/?op=query&q=%22Petty%20Enterprises%22) Dodge, 181.477
19. Clint Bowyer, No. 07 Richard Childress (http://www.scenedaily.com/search/?op=query&q=%22Richard%20Childress%22) Racing Chevrolet, 181.466
20. Jason Keller, No. 98 Gillett Evernham Motorsports Dodge, 181.426
21. Aric Almirola, No. 1 Dale Earnhardt Inc. (http://www.scenedaily.com/search/?op=query&q=%22Dale%20Earnhardt%20Inc%22) Chevrolet, 180.963
22. Robby Gordon (http://www.scenedaily.com/drivers/robby_gordon/), No. 7 Robby Gordon Motorsports Ford, 180.912
23. Kirk Shelmerdine, No. 33 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, 180.647
24. Mark Martin, No. 8 Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chevrolet, 180.339
25. Jeremy Mayfield (http://www.scenedaily.com/drivers/jeremy_mayfield/), No. 70 Haas CNC Racing Chevrolet, 179.770

Hendrick teams pick up where the left off at the end of last year. Looks like Toyota has arrived! Jacques didn't get the memo he has a learning curve. ;-)

[Nicholas Morse]

[quote="Jonesi"]Hendrick teams pick up where the left off at the end of last year. Looks like Toyota has arrived! Jacques didn't get the memo he has a learning curve. ]

It is Daytona, plus this isn't a regulated test, teams can do whatever they want to the car, although NASCAR suggests they should go through tech. inspection that they have setup at the track.

Many of the teams are pushing the bounderies and flat 'cheating' right now since it isn't illegal to do such things in this test. they are just trying to see what is fastest, nascar tells them if it'll fly or not but they dont get penalties for doing things outside the box in this test session.

Toyota showed up hot last season for Daytona also, Blaney had a great run in the Grand National Race and Vickers looked strong along with MWR early on.

It is Daytona, all Jacques has to do is keep his foot in it. I know he is a great driver, but it is just Daytona.

It is offly tough to make predicitions about an upcoming year with just feedback from Daytona.

The only thing I can maybe see as being sorta solid is the fact that Hendrick is at the top, nothing out of the ordinary there.

-Nic

[Hotlavaaaa]

It is Daytona, plus this isn't a regulated test, teams can do whatever they want to the car, although NASCAR suggests they should go through tech. inspection that they have setup at the track.

Many of the teams are pushing the bounderies and flat 'cheating' right now since it isn't illegal to do such things in this test. they are just trying to see what is fastest, nascar tells them if it'll fly or not but they dont get penalties for doing things outside the box in this test session.


Why would teams be 'cheating' and then asking NASCAR if it will fly? The rules are the rules so wouldn't it make more sense to work on making the car quicker while staying within the rules?

[harvick#1]

first off, testing at Daytona, you can never go off anytimes, as the real money maker cars run the best at night, plus last years winner never showed anything until race day. its all mind games, you may think Hendrick has super fast laps, but you don't know if they had a small draft or the other teams are not showing their hands

[Jonesi]

first off, testing at Daytona, you can never go off anytimes, as the real money maker cars run the best at night, plus last years winner never showed anything until race day. its all mind games, you may think Hendrick has super fast laps, but you don't know if they had a small draft or the other teams are not showing their hands

No, all of today's times were single car runs. (See item on Speed web site where Mark Martin says the time was wasted.) I don't see sand bagging at this point, they've never run the CoT at Daytona (other than the 1 demo car last year) no team knows for sure what the have or what problems they'll have at top speed. They may have told their drivers give us a reliable 99% so we have a baseline, but no ones sandbagging yet. Maybe next week. ;-)

[Nicholas Morse]

If someone is sandbagging, it is hurting them. They can't do that yet, nobody has the COT figured out yet.

[Sparky1329]

The #7 team has one car set up to test chassis stuff like shocks and springs. The other car was set up to adjust engine things. Apparently Goodyear gave team a little softer tire than the ones used last season.

[ms0362]

Wow... a great big 184 mph! Gotta love that COT.

[Nicholas Morse]

Wow... a great big 184 mph! Gotta love that COT.

The drivers have said the new car is slower than the old car, not that it is slow.

184mph is still amazingly fast.

[Hotlavaaaa]

Wow... a great big 184 mph! Gotta love that COT.

Pole speed at daytona last Feb was 186.32, so 184 really isn't that much slower.

[RaceFanStan]

NOTE: NASCAR does not permit drivers to draft in packs on the first day of practice
(without drafting it is NOT like true race conditions)

TEST SPEEDS ~ DAY 2 ~ TUESDAY JANUARY 8, 2008
DRAFTING WAS ALLOWED & SPEEDS WERE HIGHER
RANK - DRIVER - CAR# - CAR MAKE - BEST SPEED (for the day)
01. J J Yeley #96 Toyota 187.359 mph
02. Kurt Busch #2 Dodge 187.317 mph
03. Kyle Busch #18 Toyota 187.149 mph
04. Joe Nemechek #78 Chevrolet 187.137 mph
05. Matt Kenseth #17 Ford 187.134 mph
06. Reed Sorenson #41 Dodge 187.130 mph
07. David Reutimann #00 Toyota 187.029 mph
08. Martin Truex Jr #1 Chevrolet 186.997 mph
09. Jimmie Johnson #48 Chevrolet 186.889 mph
10. Robby Gordon #7 Ford 186.796 mph
11. Jeff Gordon #24 Chevrolet 186.567 mph
12. Mark Martin #8 Chevrolet 186.567 mph
13. Greg Biffle #16 Ford 186.278 mph
14. Juan Montoya #42 Dodge 186.254 mph
15. Elliott Sadler #19 Dodge 186.212 mph
16. Casey Mears #5 Chevrolet 186.073 mph
17. Carl Edwards #99 Ford 185.774 mph
18. Jeremy Mayfield #70 Chevrolet 185.667 mph
19. Jacques Villeneuve #27 Toyota 184.858 mph
20. Travis Kvapil #28 Ford 184.676 mph
21. A J Allmendinger #84 Toyota 184.049 mph
22. Kyle Petty #45 Dodge 183.486 mph
23. Jason Keller #98 Dodge 182.741 mph
24. Clint Bowyer #07 Chevrolet 182.493 mph
25. Kirk Shelmerdine #33 Chevrolet 181.763 mph

[harvick#1]

oh my stop the presses Hendrick isn't first and second,

oh the world must come to an end :rolleyes: :p :

[ms0362]

Later days show draft speeds. Stand alone speeds will be slower. I still think they have them choked down to much (old or COT). But I'm don't want to revisit the whole restrictor plate thing again.

[cesar@goCESARgo.com]

Early on, it appears that Toyota benefitted the most from testing
and showed that they were going to be a powerhouse next season.

----------------------------------------------
Cesar - http://www.gocesargo.com/index.php/

[RaceFanStan]

2008 DAYTONA 500 TEST SPEEDS

JANUARY 7th THROUGH JANUARY 9th ~ GROUP 1 TEST SESSIONS

CUMULATIVE SINGLE CAR NON-DRAFTING SPEEDS
---- DRIVER CAR MAKE BEST SPEED DATE
01 Jimmie Johnson #48 Chevrolet 184.782 mph 1-7 AM
02 Casey Mears #5 Chevrolet 184.574 mph 1-7 AM
03 Jacques Villeneuve #27 Toyota 184.456 mph 1-8 AM
04 Travis Kvapil #28 Ford 184.143 mph 1-8 AM
05 Kyle Busch #18 Toyota 184.064 mph 1-7 PM
06 A J Allmendinger #84 Toyota 184.049 mph 1-8 AM
07 J J Yeley #96 Toyota 183.857 mph 1-8 AM
08 Jeff Gordon #24 Chevrolet 183.809 mph 1-8 AM
09 David Reutimann #00 Toyota 183.512 mph 1-7 PM
10 Aric Almirola #1 Chevrolet 183.367 mph 1-7 PM
11 Martin Truex Jr #1 Chevrolet 183.143 mph 1-8 PM
12 Juan Montoya #42 Dodge 182.741 mph 1-7 PM
13 Matt Kenseth #17 Ford 182.685 mph 1-8 AM
14 Jeremy Mayfield #70 Chevrolet 182.604 mph 1-7 PM
15 Elliott Sadler #19 Dodge 182.585 mph 1-7 PM
16 Greg Biffle #16 Ford 182.497 mph 1-8 AM
17 Joe Nemechek #78 Chevrolet 182.441 mph 1-8 AM
18 Jason Keller #98 Dodge 182.419 mph 1-8 AM
19 Mark Martin #8 Chevrolet 182.393 mph 1-8 AM
20 Robby Gordon #7 Ford 182.393 mph 1-8 AM
21 Kyle Petty #45 Dodge 182.326 mph 1-8 AM
22 Clint Bowyer #07 Chevrolet 182.326 mph 1-8 AM
23 Reed Sorenson #41 Dodge 182.260 mph 1-8 AM
24 Carl Edwards #99 Ford 182.175 mph 1-7 PM
25 Kurt Busch #2 Dodge 182.157 mph 1-7 PM
26 Kirk Shelmerdine #33 Chevrolet 181.631 mph 1-7 PM

Note : NASCAR does not permit drivers to draft in packs on the first day of practice

CUMULATIVE DRAFTING SPEEDS
--- DRIVER CAR MAKE BEST SPEED DATE
01 Kyle Busch #18 Toyota 188.830 mph 1-9 PM
02 Matt Kenseth #17 Ford 188.494 mph 1-9 PM
03 Reed Sorenson #41 Dodge 187.915 mph 1-9 PM
04 Jeff Gordon #24 Chevrolet 187.837 mph 1-9 PM
05 A.J. Allmendinger #84 Toyota 187.805 mph 1-9 PM
06 Martin Truex Jr #1 Chevrolet 187.805 mph 1-9 PM
07 J.J. Yeley #96 Toyota 187.359 mph 1-8 PM
08 Casey Mears #5 Chevrolet 187.344 mph 1-9 PM
09 Kurt Busch #2 Dodge 187.317 mph 1-8 PM
10 Mark Martin #8 Chevrolet 187.309 mph 1-9 PM
11 Greg Biffle #16 Ford 187.207 mph 1-9 AM
12 Carl Edwards #99 Ford 187.153 mph 1-9 PM
13 Jimmie Johnson #48 Chevrolet 187.149 mph 1-9 AM
14 Joe Nemechek #78 Chevrolet 187.137 mph 1-8 PM
15 Juan Montoya #42 Dodge 187.083 mph 1-9 PM
16 David Reutimann #00 Toyota 187.067 mph 1-9 PM
17 Travis Kvapil #28 Ford 187.040 mph 1-9 PM
18 Clint Bowyer #07 Chevrolet 186.889 mph 1-9 PM
19 Robby Gordon #7 Ford 186.796 mph 1-8 PM
20 Jacques Villeneuve #27 Toyota 186.355 mph 1-9 AM
21 Jeremy Mayfield #70 Chevrolet 186.339 mph 1-9 AM
22 Elliott Sadler #19 Dodge 186.212 mph 1-8 PM
23 Kyle Petty #45 Dodge 185.506 mph 1-9 PM
24 Jason Keller #98 Dodge 182.775 mph 1-9 PM
25 Kirk Shelmerdine #33 Chevrolet 182.541 mph 1-9 PM

Note : When NASCAR allowed drafting, speeds were a bit faster

[call_me_andrew]

Were they using the same aero package and restrictor plate from Talladega?

[harvick#1]

oh man did Hendrick make one big mistake letting that kid go

[Nicholas Morse]

oh man did Hendrick make one big mistake letting that kid go

Kyle Busch: really talented, not a whole lot of fans. liked by the media for entertainment. raw talent. 6.5/10 on a marketing scale.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.: biggest fanbase in NASCAR, sponsors knocking down the door to partner with him, liked by the media for viewership, talented and mature. 15/10 on a marketing scale.

All hail the allmighty dollar in NASCAR.

[Nicholas Morse]

Early on, it appears that Toyota benefitted the most from testing
and showed that they were going to be a powerhouse next season.

----------------------------------------------
Cesar - http://www.gocesargo.com/index.php/

I doubt the powerhouse statement, but yes, they have benefited a lot during testing. Everyone has.

[harvick#1]

Kyle Busch: really talented, not a whole lot of fans. liked by the media for entertainment. raw talent. 6.5/10 on a marketing scale.

I'd rather take Busch over Jr. in any event anytime, Sponsor or not, seems Busch does have a sponsor.

I became a fan once he got dumped by Hendrick, he showed true emotion on getting canned.

and thats the problem with Nascar now, is marketing, I'm so sick and tired of seeing Jooyner in nearly every damn commercial when he hasn't won anything big since 04

[RaceFanStan]

Drivers remaining to test & expected for the 2nd test session on January 14th to 16th
(RAIN DATE = January 17th)
(some drivers listed may choose to not participate or some could possibly get replaced)

Group 2 test session drivers, car numbers & car makes
11 Chevys
Kevin Harvick #29 Chevy http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bomb.gif 2007 Daytona 500 WINNER
Dale Earnhardt Jr #88 Chevy http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bomb.gif 2004 Daytona 500 WINNER
Sterling Marlin #09 Chevy http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bomb.gif 2-time Daytona 500 WINNER
Jeff Burton #31 Chevy
Paul Menard #15 Chevy
Regan Smith #01 Chevy
Scott Riggs #66 Chevy
Eric McClure #37 Chevy (may or may not attempt the 500) ???
PJ Jones or Mike Wallace #4 Chevy (#4 Chevy will attempt the 500, driver selected uncertain) ???
James Hylton #58 Chevy (may or may not attempt the 500) ???
Stanton Barrett #50 Chevy (may or may not attempt the 500) ???

8 Dodges
Bobby Labonte #43 Dodge
Kasey Kahne #9 Dodge
Ryan Newman #12 Dodge
John Andretti #49 Dodge
Dario Franchitti #40 Dodge
Patrick Carpentier #10 Dodge
Sam Hornish Jr #77 Dodge
Morgan Shepherd #89 Dodge (may or may not attempt the 500) ???

6 Toyotas
Tony Stewart #20 Toyota
Denny Hamlin #11 Toyota
Brian Vickers #83 Toyota
Dale Jarrett #44 Toyota http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bomb.gif 3-time Daytona 500 WINNER
Michael Waltrip #55 Toyota http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bomb.gif 2-time Daytona 500 WINNER
Dave Blaney #22 Toyota

5 Fords
Jamie McMurray #26 Ford
David Gilliland #38 Ford
David Ragan #6 Ford
Bill Elliott #21 Ford / 2-time Daytona 500 WINNER but ...
Boris Said #60 Ford (may or may not attempt the 500) ???

[muggle not]

I'd rather take Busch over Jr. in any event anytime, Sponsor or not, seems Busch does have a sponsor.

I became a fan once he got dumped by Hendrick, he showed true emotion on getting canned.

and thats the problem with Nascar now, is marketing, I'm so sick and tired of seeing Jooyner in nearly every damn commercial when he hasn't won anything big since 04
Come on harv, you are just upset that Jr has more wins than Harvick. This will be a great year for Jr., take it to the bank.

[RaceFanStan]

With the near absolute dominance by Hendrick MotorSports, Dale Jr should be a contender all season. http://www.motorsportforum.com/forums/images/icons/eek.gif

Dale Jr will have 1 of the best cars on the track, failure almost seems not to be an option ...
but if Dale Jr fails in a Hendrick car he will have no where to go but down. http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/images/smilies/bomb.gif

[harvick#1]

Come on harv, you are just upset that Jr has more wins than Harvick. This will be a great year for Jr., take it to the bank.

I'm just tired of all this jr. talk, hes sort of like a Reggie Bush or Michelle Wie. quit talking big and start doing something.

plus, he will be in Mears old equipment, I highly doubt JJ or JG want to give Jr. much info.

and I think Gibbs will run away this year. with Toyota backing them, they are getting ALOT of resources, we've seen toyota spend alot of money when they compete, sure they struggled last year, but when your best team is Bill Davis Racing, you ain't going to be good

[muggle not]

Harvick must be sandbagging in today's testing. He is running almost 5 mph behind the leaders.

[Jonesi]

Harvick must be sandbagging in today's testing. He is running almost 5 mph behind the leaders.

Yes, but he beat Stanton Barrett, Ken Schrader & Sterling Marlin! ;-)

[Alexamateo]

Yes, but he beat Stanton Barrett, Ken Schrader & Sterling Marlin! ;-)

Don't forget Norm Benning and Carl Long in the afternoon session! :D

[RaceFanStan]

I'm just tired of all this jr. talk ...
You better get used to hearing about Dale Jr because 2008 could be a banner year for him !!! http://www.motorsportforum.com/forums/images/icons/eek.gif
You might as well get ready for Dale Jr to win MORE races than Kevin Harvick in 2008 too !!! http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g202/gr8link/orn/00.gif
Kevin Harvick won't be able to keep-up with Dale Jr & his #88 Hendrick rocket. http://www.motorsportforum.com/forums/images/icons/tongue-anim.gif

[muggle not]

You better get used to hearing about Dale Jr because 2008 could be a banner year for him !!! http://www.motorsportforum.com/forums/images/icons/eek.gif
You might as well get ready for Dale Jr to win MORE races than Kevin Harvick in 2008 too !!! http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g202/gr8link/orn/00.gif
Kevin Harvick won't be able to keep-up with Dale Jr & his #88 Hendrick rocket. http://www.motorsportforum.com/forums/images/icons/tongue-anim.gif
Tsk, tsk, RFS. What are you trying to do, semd Harv into depression. :)

[RaceFanStan]

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g202/gr8link/orn/00.gif

[RaceFanStan]

January 14th Morning Test Session Best Speeds
01. Dale Jarrett #44 Toyota 184.987 mph
02. Dale Earnhardt Jr #88 Chevrolet 184.646 mph
03. Dario Franchitti #40 Dodge 184.305 mph
04. Tony Stewart #20 Toyota 183.793 mph
05. Denny Hamlin #11 Toyota 183.542 mph
06. Dave Blaney #22 Toyota 183.527 mph
07. Michael Waltrip #55 Toyota 183.299 mph
08. Brian Vickers #83 Toyota 183.240 mph
09. Jeff Fuller #87 Chevrolet 183.214 mph
10. David Gilliland #38 Ford 182.979 mph
11. Boris Said #60 Ford 182.208 mph
12. Scott Riggs #66 Chevrolet 182.190 mph
13. Kasey Kahne #9 Dodge 182.146 mph
14. Jamie McMurray #26 Ford 181.954 mph
15. Ryan Newman #12 Dodge 181.906 mph
16. Bill Elliott #21 Ford 181.884 mph
17. David Ragan #6 Ford 181.870 mph
18. Eric McClure #34 Dodge 181.844 mph
19. Regan Smith #01 Chevrolet 181.822 mph
20. Bobby Labonte #43 Dodge 181.602 mph
21. Patrick Carpentier #10 Dodge 181.386 mph
22. Paul Menard #15 Chevrolet 181.269 mph
23. Sam Hornish Jr #77 Dodge 181.057 mph
24. Jeff Burton #31 Chevrolet 180.745 mph
25. Kevin Harvick #29 Chevrolet 180.545 mph
26. Stanton Barrett #50 Chevrolet 180.278 mph
27. Ken Schrader #49 Dodge 180.252 mph
28. Sterling Marlin #09 Chevrolet 178.880 mph

January 14th Afternoon Test Session Best Speeds
01. Dave Blaney #22 Toyota 185.445 mph
02. Dale Earnhardt Jr #88 Chevrolet 185.426 mph
03. Brian Vickers #83 Toyota 185.307 mph
04. Dale Jarrett #44 Toyota 185.292 mph
05. Michael Waltrip #55 Toyota 185.227 mph
06. Tony Stewart #20 Toyota 185.094 mph
07. Dario Franchitti #40 Dodge 184.737 mph
08. Denny Hamlin #11 Toyota 184.555 mph
09. David Gilliland #38 Ford 183.835 mph
10. Ryan Newman #12 Dodge 183.572 mph
11. Bill Elliott #21 Ford 183.408 mph
12. Jeff Fuller #87 Chevrolet 183.299 mph
13. Kasey Kahne #9 Dodge 183.199 mph
14. David Ragan #6 Ford 183.068 mph
15. Patrick Carpentier #10 Dodge 182.882 mph
16. Eric McClure #34 Dodge 182.823 mph
17. Bill Elliott #21 Ford 182.801 mph
18. Bobby Labonte #43 Dodge 182.775 mph
19. Jamie McMurray #26 Ford 182.697 mph
20. Boris Said #60 Ford 182.674 mph
21. Paul Menard #15 Chevrolet 182.645 mph
22. Scott Riggs #66 Chevrolet 182.552 mph
23. Regan Smith #01 Chevrolet 182.548 mph
24. Jeff Burton #31 Chevrolet 182.098 mph
25. Kevin Harvick #29 Chevrolet 181.939 mph
26. Sam Hornish Jr #77 Dodge 181.723 mph
27. Stanton Barrett #50 Chevrolet 181.101 mph
28. Ken Schrader #49 Dodge 180.941 mph
29. Sterling Marlin #09 Chevrolet 180.213 mph
30. Carl Long #08 Dodge 177.291 mph
31. Norm Benning #57 Chevrolet 176.856 mph

Note : NASCAR does not permit drivers to draft in packs on the first day of practice

[RaceFanStan]

The open-wheel turned NASCAR newbies were all over the speed charts ...
January 14 Morning Session Best Speeds ...
03. Dario Franchitti #40 Dodge 184.305 mph
21. Patrick Carpentier #10 Dodge 181.386 mph
23. Sam Hornish Jr #77 Dodge 181.057 mph

January 14 Afternoon Session Best Speeds ...
07. Dario Franchitti #40 Dodge 184.737 mph
15. Patrick Carpentier #10 Dodge 182.882 mph
26. Sam Hornish Jr #77 Dodge 181.723 mph

of the 3, Dario Franchitti did the best on the 1st day of testing @ Daytona ...

[cesar@goCESARgo.com]

I doubt the powerhouse statement, but yes, they have benefited a lot during testing. Everyone has.

Well based on the testing in this session, it looks like I wasn't so far off in indicating that Toyota is an early favorite. Yes, we need to see how they will be in the draft, but in reality, it seems like they are blowing away the competition so far. Toyota has done well in both weeks of testing, and, based on last year's performance, they do well at plate tracks. If you ask me, Toyota is gonna win at Daytona.

[cesar@goCESARgo.com]

Well based on the testing in this session, it looks like I wasn't so far off in indicating that Toyota is an early favorite. Yes, we need to see how they will be in the draft, but in reality, it seems like they are blowing away the competition so far. Toyota has done well in both weeks of testing, and, based on last year's performance, they do well at plate tracks. If you ask me, Toyota is gonna win at Daytona.


I lay it all out here. (http://www.gocesargo.com/index.php/NASCAR-Cup-News/Toyota-again-dominates-second-Daytona-testing-while-Earnhardt-Jr-makes-formal-start-with-Hendrick.html)

[RaceFanStan]

January 15th Morning Session Best Speeds
01. Dale Earnhardt Jr #88 Chevrolet 185.820 mph ~ a Hendrick Chevy beat the Toyotas in the morning ... :eek:
02. Michael Waltrip #55 Toyota 185.357 mph
03. Brian Vickers #83 Toyota 184.638 mph
04. Dale Jarrett #44 Toyota 184.600 mph
05. Tony Stewart #20 Toyota 184.585 mph
06. Dario Franchitti #40 Dodge 184.264 mph
07. Denny Hamlin #11 Toyota 184.075 mph
08. Dave Blaney #22 Toyota 183.606 mph
09. Jeff Fuller #87 Chevrolet 183.214 mph
10. David Gilliland #38 Ford 183.158 mph
11. Ryan Newman #12 Dodge 183.150 mph
12. David Ragan #6 Ford 183.076 mph
13. Patrick Carpentier #10 Dodge 182.949 mph
14. Bobby Labonte #43 Dodge 182.942 mph
15. Scott Riggs #66 Chevrolet 182.730 mph
16. Eric McClure #34 Dodge 182.408 mph
17. Boris Said #60 Ford 182.352 mph
18. Paul Menard #15 Chevrolet 182.308 mph
19. Kasey Kahne #9 Dodge 182.286 mph
20. Regan Smith #01 Chevrolet 182.282 mph
21. Jeff Burton #31 Chevrolet 182.175 mph
22. Jamie McMurray #26 Ford 182.157 mph
23. Stanton Barrett #50 Chevrolet 182.153 mph
24. Bill Elliott #21 Ford 182.083 mph
25. Sam Hornish Jr #77 Dodge 182.076 mph
26. Kevin Harvick #29 Chevrolet 181.525 mph
27. Ken Schrader #49 Dodge 181.229 mph
28. Sterling Marlin #09 Chevrolet 180.875 mph
29. Carl Long #08 Dodge 178.536 mph
30. Norm Benning #57 Chevrolet 175.097 mph

January 15th Afternoon Session Best Speeds
01. Ryan Newman #12 Dodge 188.013 mph ~ then a Dodge led some Chevys with Toyotas close behind ... :eek:
02. Regan Smith #01 Chevrolet 187.625 mph
03. Paul Menard #15 Chevrolet 187.594 mph
04. Kevin Harvick #29 Chevrolet 187.531 mph
05. Dario Franchitti #40 Dodge 187.352 mph
06. Tony Stewart #20 Toyota 187.332 mph
07. Dave Blaney #22 Toyota 187.320 mph
08. Kasey Kahne #9 Dodge 187.137 mph
09. Brian Vickers #83 Toyota 187.114 mph
10. Dale Earnhardt Jr #88 Chevrolet 187.075 mph
11. Jeff Burton #31 Chevrolet 186.970 mph
12. Patrick Carpentier #10 Dodge 186.838 mph
13. Dale Jarrett #44 Toyota 186.617 mph
14. Michael Waltrip #55 Toyota 186.536 mph
15. Bobby Labonte #43 Dodge 186.517 mph
16. David Ragan #6 Ford 186.509 mph
17. Scott Riggs #66 Chevrolet 186.432 mph
18. Bill Elliott #21 Ford 186.382 mph
19. Sam Hornish Jr #77 Dodge 186.193 mph
20. Sterling Marlin #09 Chevrolet 186.162 mph
21. Eric McClure #34 Dodge 185.820 mph
22. Denny Hamlin #11 Toyota 185.789 mph
23. David Gilliland #38 Ford 183.955 mph
24. Jeff Fuller #87 Chevrolet 183.790 mph
25. Boris Said #60 Ford 182.771 mph
26. Jamie McMurray #26 Ford 182.389 mph
27. Stanton Barrett #50 Chevrolet 181.925 mph
28. Ken Schrader #49 Dodge 181.539 mph
29. Carl Long #08 Dodge 179.311 mph
30. Norm Benning #57 Chevrolet 178.338 mph

[Jonesi]

Cumulative Single-Car Speeds
Pos. No. Name Make Best Time Best Speed Date
1 88B Dale Earnhardt Jr Chevrolet 48.434 185.820 1-15 AM
2 22B Dave Blaney Toyota 48.532 185.445 1-14 PM
3 55 Michael Waltrip Toyota 48.555 185.357 1-15 AM
4 83A Brian Vickers Toyota 48.568 185.307 1-14 PM
5 44A Dale Jarrett Toyota 48.572 185.292 1-14 PM
6 20A Tony Stewart Toyota 48.624 185.094 1-14 PM
7 48A Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet 48.706 184.782 1-7 AM
8 40 Dario Franchitti Dodge 48.718 184.737 1-14 PM
9 5B Casey Mears Chevrolet 48.761 184.574 1-7 AM
10 11B Denny Hamlin Toyota 48.766 184.555 1-14 PM
11 27B Jacques Villeneuve Toyota 48.792 184.456 1-8 AM
12 28B Travis Kvapil Ford 48.875 184.143 1-8 AM
13 18 Kyle Busch Toyota 48.896 184.064 1-7 PM
14 84B A.J. Allmendinger Toyota 48.900 184.049 1-8 AM
15 96B J.J. Yeley Toyota 48.951 183.857 1-8 AM
16 38A David Gilliland Ford 48.957 183.835 1-14 PM
17 24A Jeff Gordon Chevrolet 48.964 183.809 1-8 AM
18 12A Ryan Newman Dodge 49.027 183.572 1-14 PM
19 00A David Reutimann Toyota 49.043 183.512 1-7 PM
20 21A Bill Elliott Ford 49.071 183.408 1-14 PM
21 1A Aric Almirola Chevrolet 49.082 183.367 1-7 PM
22 87 Jeff Fuller Chevrolet 49.100 183.299 1-14 PM
23 9B Kasey Kahne Dodge 49.127 183.199 1-14 PM
24 1A Martin Truex Jr. Chevrolet 49.142 183.143 1-8 PM
25 6B David Ragan Ford 49.160 183.076 1-15 AM
26 10C Patrick Carpentier Dodge 49.194 182.949 1-15 AM
27 43A Bobby Labonte Dodge 49.196 182.942 1-15 AM
28 34A Eric McClure Dodge 49.228 182.823 1-14 PM
29 42B Juan Montoya Dodge 49.250 182.741 1-7 PM
30 66H Scott Riggs Chevrolet 49.253 182.730 1-15 AM
31 26A Jamie McMurray Ford 49.262 182.697 1-14 PM
32 17B Matt Kenseth Ford 49.265 182.685 1-8 AM
33 60B Boris Said Ford 49.268 182.674 1-14 PM
34 15A Paul Menard Chevrolet 49.276 182.645 1-14 PM
35 70A Jeremy Mayfield Chevrolet 49.287 182.604 1-7 PM
36 19A Elliott Sadler Dodge 49.292 182.585 1-7 PM
37 01B Regan Smith Chevrolet 49.302 182.548 1-14 PM
38 16B Greg Biffle Ford 49.316 182.497 1-8 AM
39 78A Joe Nemechek Chevrolet 49.331 182.441 1-8 AM
40 98A Jason Keller Dodge 49.337 182.419 1-8 AM
41 8A Mark Martin Chevrolet 49.344 182.393 1-8 AM
42 7A Robby Gordon Ford 49.344 182.393 1-8 AM
43 45A Kyle Petty Dodge 49.362 182.326 1-8 AM
44 07A Clint Bowyer Chevrolet 49.362 182.326 1-8 AM
45 41A Reed Sorenson Dodge 49.380 182.260 1-8 AM
46 99A Carl Edwards Ford 49.403 182.175 1-7 PM
47 31A Jeff Burton Chevrolet 49.403 182.175 1-15 AM
48 2B Kurt Busch Dodge 49.408 182.157 1-7 PM
49 50A Stanton Barrett Chevrolet 49.409 182.153 1-15 AM
50 77A Sam Hornish Jr. Dodge 49.430 182.076 1-15 AM
51 29A Kevin Harvick Chevrolet 49.467 181.939 1-14 PM
52 33 Kirk Shelmerdine Chevrolet 49.551 181.631 1-7 PM
53 49A Ken Schrader Dodge 49.661 181.229 1-15 AM
54 09B Sterling Marlin Chevrolet 49.758 180.875 1-15 AM
55 08A Carl Long Dodge 50.410 178.536 1-15 AM
56 57A Norm Benning Chevrolet 50.889 176.856 1-14 PM

[Sparky1329]

You guys don't seriously think speeds are the purpose of this testing do you? No teams are showing their hands at this point.

[RaceFanStan]

I think the drivers in the very back are showing all they have & they are in trouble ... :eek:
the drivers mid-pack & forward are working race set-ups & getting comfortable ...
those drivers aren't using everything they have, just enough to get good feedback ...
the more experienced a driver is, the less likely he is to show all of his potential ...
I do think the Toyota drivers are showing more than the Chevrolet, Ford & Dodge drivers are ...
we will see what the drivers really have in the last 20 - 30 laps on raceday. :D

[harvick#1]

yep, Harv did this last year, and I think we all know how that turned out :bounce: :D

[Jonesi]

Possible change in gear rule:
http://www.scenedaily.com/stories/2008/01/14/scene_daily47.html

[RaikkonenRules]

Don't forget Norm Benning and Carl Long in the afternoon session! :D

Who's Norm Benning? Never heard of him.

[Jonesi]

Who's Norm Benning? Never heard of him.

Long time ARCA racer, made a few Nascar starts over the years.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norm_Benning

[RaikkonenRules]

Think I saw him in an ARCA race on Motors TV last week. He was towards the back though.