UNB! NETWORK STAFF REPORT
Low-Downforce Package For Cup This Weekend At Michigan
NASCAR officials will return to Michigan International Speedway on Tuesday, October 20 to test a low-downforce package similar to what was used at Darlington in last month's Bojamgles Southern 500.
Drivers scheduled to take part in the test are defending NASCAR XFINITY Series champion Chase Elliott in the Hendrick Motorsports No. 25 Chevrolet, current XFINITY Series points leader Chris Buescher and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin.
According to information provided to the teams on Wednesday, the test will hopefully check max and corner speeds with three different tire grip levels. The test calls for individual 10 and 25-lap runs in the morning, and afternoon sessions.
The lower downforce package debuted at Kentucky Speedway this season before also being put into play at Darlington, where it featured a 3.5-inch spoiler, 25-inch splitter extension panel (radiator pan) and 6.63-inch by 25-inch splitter.
The only change for the Michigan test will be an increase in the splitter extension panel to 33 inches.
Drivers and teams were pleased with the initial results of the package, particularly at Darlington where Goodyear was able to provide a specific tire based on data gained from testing there prior to the race.
The MIS test will take place approximately two months after the Sprint Cup Series competed at the 2-mile facility with a high-drag aerodynamic configuration. A high-drag package was also used at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Homestead-Miami Test In December
NASCAR and Goodyear officials have added a post-season test scheduled for December 14-15 at Homestead-Miami Speedway to continue preparations for the 2016 rules package.
Organizations scheduled to participate in the test are Stewart-Haas Racing (Chevrolet), Hendrick Motorsports (Chevrolet), Richard Petty Motorsports (Ford) and Furniture Row Racing (Toyota).
It is expected to be the first on-track testing for Furniture Row and driver Martin Truex Jr. with a Toyota entry. The Denver-based team is making the switch from Chevrolet to Toyota for '16.
Because of the change, SHR was added to the test to replace Furniture Row for Chevrolet.
"I think '16, we're not really even thinking about right now," Truex said earlier this week. "We know what we're doing next year, we'll worry about that after (the final race at) Homestead.
"I think everybody in the Chase is probably in the same position -- you're worried about today and tomorrow and this coming weekend. No further ahead. Once you set your plans, it's real easy."
Change in Atlanta Testing Lineup
The Toyota teams of Michael Waltrip Racing and BK Racing have declined to take part in the Goodyear tire test slated for Oct. 27-28 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Joe Gibbs Racing has been added to the lineup to represent Toyota teams at the 1.54-mile track.
The two-day program is a confirmation test for Goodyear; an open team test is scheduled for Oct. 29 following the completion of the tire test.
- Information from NASCAR.com was used in this article.
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| Matt Kenseth (No. 20 car) and Jimmie Johnson (No. 48 car) lead the field in this picture of the 2015 Pure Michigan 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. A new aero pacage will be used for this weekend's Sprint Cup Series race at the track. (PHOTO: Chris Trotman/Getty Images North America) |
NASCAR officials will return to Michigan International Speedway on Tuesday, October 20 to test a low-downforce package similar to what was used at Darlington in last month's Bojamgles Southern 500.
Drivers scheduled to take part in the test are defending NASCAR XFINITY Series champion Chase Elliott in the Hendrick Motorsports No. 25 Chevrolet, current XFINITY Series points leader Chris Buescher and NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin.
According to information provided to the teams on Wednesday, the test will hopefully check max and corner speeds with three different tire grip levels. The test calls for individual 10 and 25-lap runs in the morning, and afternoon sessions.
The lower downforce package debuted at Kentucky Speedway this season before also being put into play at Darlington, where it featured a 3.5-inch spoiler, 25-inch splitter extension panel (radiator pan) and 6.63-inch by 25-inch splitter.
The only change for the Michigan test will be an increase in the splitter extension panel to 33 inches.
Drivers and teams were pleased with the initial results of the package, particularly at Darlington where Goodyear was able to provide a specific tire based on data gained from testing there prior to the race.
The MIS test will take place approximately two months after the Sprint Cup Series competed at the 2-mile facility with a high-drag aerodynamic configuration. A high-drag package was also used at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Homestead-Miami Test In December
NASCAR and Goodyear officials have added a post-season test scheduled for December 14-15 at Homestead-Miami Speedway to continue preparations for the 2016 rules package.
Organizations scheduled to participate in the test are Stewart-Haas Racing (Chevrolet), Hendrick Motorsports (Chevrolet), Richard Petty Motorsports (Ford) and Furniture Row Racing (Toyota).
It is expected to be the first on-track testing for Furniture Row and driver Martin Truex Jr. with a Toyota entry. The Denver-based team is making the switch from Chevrolet to Toyota for '16.
Because of the change, SHR was added to the test to replace Furniture Row for Chevrolet.
"I think '16, we're not really even thinking about right now," Truex said earlier this week. "We know what we're doing next year, we'll worry about that after (the final race at) Homestead.
"I think everybody in the Chase is probably in the same position -- you're worried about today and tomorrow and this coming weekend. No further ahead. Once you set your plans, it's real easy."
Change in Atlanta Testing Lineup
The Toyota teams of Michael Waltrip Racing and BK Racing have declined to take part in the Goodyear tire test slated for Oct. 27-28 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Joe Gibbs Racing has been added to the lineup to represent Toyota teams at the 1.54-mile track.
The two-day program is a confirmation test for Goodyear; an open team test is scheduled for Oct. 29 following the completion of the tire test.
- Information from NASCAR.com was used in this article.
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