NASCAR Tire Test at Daytona International Speedway

The first day of tire testing on the new surface of Daytona International Speedway is in the books, with 18 NASCAR teams taking part in the two day Goodyear tire test.

The smooth, fast surface, as expected, has a lot of grip compared to the aged, rough, patched surface it replaced.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was the first to try out the resurfaced, high-banked track.  Earnhardt said, "They smoothed out all the bumps.  The track is real smooth.  It's got lots of grip.  The track reminds me a lot like Talladega was like when they finished it."

Drivers made single-car runs and drafting runs.  They were able to run three-wide easily on the track that is more narrow than Talladega.

Jeff Gordon stated, "It's going to make for more exciting racing.  I don't think we're going to see the two-car bump drafting (for separation from the pack) like we saw in Talladega, but I think you are still going to see a lot of three-wide racing, which here typically in the past, getting more than two-wide, you could only do for a short period of time."

More than 40 teams are expected for the open NASCAR test, scheduled January 20-22 at the 2.5 mile track.

Information and photo courtesy of Sporting News.com/NASCAR

Update:  Thursday, December 16th

Upon completion of the second day of NASCAR's tire test for Goodyear, the concensus from drivers was very positive.

Speeds both days topped out around 196-197 mph.  NASCAR's Vice President of competition, Robin Pemberton indicated the sanctioning body would keep an eye on speeds and a different restrictor plate may be required.

Joie Chitwood III, President of DIS, said, "It's nice to hear drivers validate the process, the effort, the stress that was involved in repaving Daytona."