Post by dalejrfan on Jan 8, 2006 4:16:23 GMT -5
New restrictions limit time drivers get to test at tracks on circuit
In recent years, testing has played a more prominent role in the success of teams in NASCAR.Several organizations -- particularly the large multi-car operations -- have sent various teams to series and non-series tracks around the country gathering vital data to help all of their teams perform better.
With NASCAR's decision to restrict testing at tracks used in the Nextel Cup and Busch series to just a handful of dates in 2006, track time will become a precious commodity.
For instance, when the first batch of Cup teams that report to Daytona International Speedway on Monday complete their three-day test, they will be unable to test at the track at any other point during the season.
The Cup series has six tests scheduled this season -- at Daytona, Las Vegas, Charlotte, Richmond, Va., and Homestead, Fla. The Busch Series has four -- Daytona, Las Vegas, Charlotte and Richmond.
In 2005, teams were limited to five two-day tests and four one-day tests, with rookies getting seven two-day tests and five one-day tests. Tests at tracks not used in the series did not count against the limit, a policy that remains unchanged.
The biggest impact could land on the shoulders of the circuit's rookies.
Additional testing has been lauded by drivers, owners and crew chiefs as an important part of a new driver's development. The added track time now will have to come at tracks not used in Cup or Busch, or from participation in other series.
"I think (the new policy) is definitely a disadvantage to a rookie. Any of the guys that are running for rookie of the year that haven't run more than seven races I feel should get more opportunities to test," said Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick.
"You want to bring fresh blood in and sponsors want to do well. It's not really fair to see a young guy whose first year in the Cup series be limited to those six tests."
Hendrick has had his share of rookie Cup drivers recently.
Kyle Busch, who drives the No. 5 Chevrolet, won rookie honors in 2005. Brian Vickers, who drives the No. 25 Chevy, was a rookie in 2004 and Jimmie Johnson, driver of the No. 48, debuted his first full season in 2002.
"It's definitely going to make a difference but at the same time when you see a guy with the talent that Kyle Busch has or Carl Edwards, your gut will tell you" if he'll succeed, Hendrick said.
"After you've been doing this as long as Jack (Roush) and I have been doing it, it doesn't take long to see that (a) guy has really got it."
Additional testing could come in handy, particularly with several members of the 2006 Cup rookie class.
Reed Sorenson has just two Cup starts, Brent Sherman none, David Stremme four and Clint Bowyer one.
Two-time Busch Series champion Martin Truex Jr. has the most Cup experience of the group with nine starts over the past two seasons. Joe Gibbs Racing newcomers Denny Hamlin and J.J. Yeley have seven and six starts, respectively.
"The thing that I've encouraged NASCAR to do is, and the thing I hope they do is, provide adequate testing for rookies so that (the driver) doesn't create a problem that was avoidable through just a little more experience," said team owner Roush.
Roush added a rookie must be "able to realize his potential for his sponsor, and lacking that, then rookies won't be able to get a ride."
Detractors of the new policy are not limited to rookies, however. Some track officials have problems with the plan to pre-select all the testing venues.
"NASCAR's new testing policy for the Cup series may be beneficial for teams, but for the speedways it is a lost promotional opportunity," said Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage.
"Since they are not allowed to test here now, we've lost a critical opportunity for vital pre-race media coverage in a major media market that could very likely hurt our ticket sales and NASCAR's TV ratings."
In recent years, testing has played a more prominent role in the success of teams in NASCAR.Several organizations -- particularly the large multi-car operations -- have sent various teams to series and non-series tracks around the country gathering vital data to help all of their teams perform better.
With NASCAR's decision to restrict testing at tracks used in the Nextel Cup and Busch series to just a handful of dates in 2006, track time will become a precious commodity.
For instance, when the first batch of Cup teams that report to Daytona International Speedway on Monday complete their three-day test, they will be unable to test at the track at any other point during the season.
The Cup series has six tests scheduled this season -- at Daytona, Las Vegas, Charlotte, Richmond, Va., and Homestead, Fla. The Busch Series has four -- Daytona, Las Vegas, Charlotte and Richmond.
In 2005, teams were limited to five two-day tests and four one-day tests, with rookies getting seven two-day tests and five one-day tests. Tests at tracks not used in the series did not count against the limit, a policy that remains unchanged.
The biggest impact could land on the shoulders of the circuit's rookies.
Additional testing has been lauded by drivers, owners and crew chiefs as an important part of a new driver's development. The added track time now will have to come at tracks not used in Cup or Busch, or from participation in other series.
"I think (the new policy) is definitely a disadvantage to a rookie. Any of the guys that are running for rookie of the year that haven't run more than seven races I feel should get more opportunities to test," said Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick.
"You want to bring fresh blood in and sponsors want to do well. It's not really fair to see a young guy whose first year in the Cup series be limited to those six tests."
Hendrick has had his share of rookie Cup drivers recently.
Kyle Busch, who drives the No. 5 Chevrolet, won rookie honors in 2005. Brian Vickers, who drives the No. 25 Chevy, was a rookie in 2004 and Jimmie Johnson, driver of the No. 48, debuted his first full season in 2002.
"It's definitely going to make a difference but at the same time when you see a guy with the talent that Kyle Busch has or Carl Edwards, your gut will tell you" if he'll succeed, Hendrick said.
"After you've been doing this as long as Jack (Roush) and I have been doing it, it doesn't take long to see that (a) guy has really got it."
Additional testing could come in handy, particularly with several members of the 2006 Cup rookie class.
Reed Sorenson has just two Cup starts, Brent Sherman none, David Stremme four and Clint Bowyer one.
Two-time Busch Series champion Martin Truex Jr. has the most Cup experience of the group with nine starts over the past two seasons. Joe Gibbs Racing newcomers Denny Hamlin and J.J. Yeley have seven and six starts, respectively.
"The thing that I've encouraged NASCAR to do is, and the thing I hope they do is, provide adequate testing for rookies so that (the driver) doesn't create a problem that was avoidable through just a little more experience," said team owner Roush.
Roush added a rookie must be "able to realize his potential for his sponsor, and lacking that, then rookies won't be able to get a ride."
Detractors of the new policy are not limited to rookies, however. Some track officials have problems with the plan to pre-select all the testing venues.
"NASCAR's new testing policy for the Cup series may be beneficial for teams, but for the speedways it is a lost promotional opportunity," said Texas Motor Speedway President Eddie Gossage.
"Since they are not allowed to test here now, we've lost a critical opportunity for vital pre-race media coverage in a major media market that could very likely hurt our ticket sales and NASCAR's TV ratings."