NASCAR Halts Testing at Sanctioned Tracks in Effort to Cut Costs

Starting Jan. 1, 2009 NASCAR has decided not to allow its teams in all three series to test at NASCAR-sanctioned tracks.

This is in an effort to help teams cut the cost of testing out of their budgets. This testing ban really does impact smaller teams that are unable to keep up with NASCAR's mega teams.

Testing can cost teams up to eight figures in transportation, crew, and equipment needs.

Originally, NASCAR had thought of giving teams 24 testing days with rules that included no testing at the sanctioned race track one week before a scheduled race. But that was early July. Since then the economy has taken a nose-dive, leading to mergers and leaving many organizations to search for sponsors.

More importantly for teams like Stewart-Haas Racing that need testing, this includes the Daytona 500 testing sessions in early January.

NASCAR made all teams aware of the new rules this morning as they prepare for the season-ending races at Homestead-Miami and as organizations begin to finalize their budgets for 2009.

This action by NASCAR  leaves some teams praising NASCAR for its move in these tough economic times.

Red Bull racing General Manager Jay Frye told foxsports.com's Lee Spencer, "I think it's great overall for the sport because it creates an equal playing field," Frye said. "I compare it to a major league baseball. On the playing field can you tell which of the guys took batting practice or not? If everybody the same, then It won't affect the product.

 He continued to say "For what's going on in the world right now, it's the right decision. We're all in this together—the sponsors, the teams, and NASCAR. We're in a difficult position right now. It's not going to affect what happens on Sunday. Who knows? It might make it better."

Something to be aware of is that not all testing is completely eliminated. Teams can continue to test at non-sanctioned tracks such as Nashville. But the information at these tracks do not always translate to tracks they run on the circuit, so there is no real clear advantage to this.

This new rule benefits smaller teams the most, saving them money and possibly leveling the playing field. But not until we start racing again at Daytona will we see how affected these teams are by this testing moratorium.