Daytona Testing

Lamont Cranston · Post by **Lamont Cranston** » Mon Jan 07, 2008 4:45 pm

Just saw where Jimmie Johnson posted the fastest speed among 25 or so drivers at this morning's session. He and Casey Mears were the only two to break the 184 mph barrier as alot of "kinks" need to be worked out of the COT for setups on this track. An interesting note was the fact that several Toyotas posted top 15 speeds, led by the fastest of the bunch, Jacques Villeneuve.

Lamont Cranston · Post by **Lamont Cranston** » Tue Jan 08, 2008 4:48 pm

Five cars topped the 184 mph barrier in this morning's session... JJ again had the fastest lap followed by Villeneuve. Nine Toyotas in the top 15... one Ford.

Lamont Cranston · Post by **Lamont Cranston** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 2:45 am

Kyle Busch and Matt Kenseth were both able to top 188 mph in testing yesterday. Speeds across the board were way up, with 22 cars topping 185 mph in the morning, 28 in the afternoon. A few more Fords "found" some speed yesterday afternoon, with Matt Kenseth, Carl Edwards, and Greg Biffle giving the manufacturer a better looking practice.

purpleblood1 · Post by **purpleblood1** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 10:50 am

Not that many Checys have tested yet. I think alot of them are due in this weekend and the first of the week.

Lamont Cranston · Post by **Lamont Cranston** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 11:30 am

Correct Purpleblood... this week was top-heavy with the Toyotas. More "Bow-Ties" and "Blue-Ovals" next week. Five weeks from sunday, the checkered will drop for real!!!

Lamont Cranston · Post by **Lamont Cranston** » Mon Jan 14, 2008 4:22 pm

Round 2 of testing began this morning. And, it was more Toyotas fastest "off the haulers". Dale Jarrett, Earnhardt, Jr., and Dario Franchitti all went over 184 mph. The Japanese nameplate posted 10 of the top 15 speeds this morning.

2trap_4ever · Post by **2trap_4ever** » Mon Jan 14, 2008 9:01 pm

these test are good but it's who's fastest in Feb that is important, besides we now that the chevy's will be holding back a little

Lamont Cranston · Post by **Lamont Cranston** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 2:55 am

You are right 2trap... testing is just that, testing. The 500, however, is a season unto itself. And, these teams and drivers spend countless hours in preparation for this ONE race. IMO it is the biggest spectacle in racing... not to mention the biggest payout. Monday afternoon saw more of the same, Toyota had 11 of the fastest 15 times, with Dave Blaney being the fastest and Dale Jr. right behind him. Following the controversy that got him sent home from Speedweeks 2007, Michael Waltrip posted 2 of the top 7 speeds yesterday afternoon.

Lamont Cranston · Post by **Lamont Cranston** » Tue Jan 15, 2008 4:22 pm

This morning's testing was again dominated by Toyota. However, Dale Jr. did lead the pack. Four of the top ten speeds were posted by Michael Waltrip owned cars. Toyota had an amazing 11 of the top 13... the bottom 10 were either a Chevy or Dodge. Over almost four days of testing now (last week and this), the top 10 are: Dale Jr., Dave Blaney, Waltrip, Brian Vickers, Jarrett, Stewart, Johnson, Franchitti, Mears, and Hamlin. One Ford and one dodge in the top 15.

Winchell · Post by **Winchell** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 9:37 am

Are these single car speeds or drafting speeds? A key at Daytona has always been handling in the draft as opposed to Talladega requiring more horsepower.

Lamont Cranston · Post by **Lamont Cranston** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 4:52 pm

Pretty sure it is a combination, first day and a half or so single car, then a few "clusters". But you are right winchell, drafting IS the key in Daytona. Who your friends are, or better yet AREN'T, come race day means everything... just ask Mark Martin. Four weeks from tomorrow is the Gatorade Twin 150's... can almost smell the fuel as they pass now!!!

:):)

2trap_4ever · Post by **2trap_4ever** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 5:11 pm

winchell wrote:Are these single car speeds or drafting speeds? A key at Daytona has always been handling in the draft as opposed to Talladega requiring more horsepower.

Monday and Tuesday are single car and Wednesday is drafting day, so the speeds should be higher today.

Lamont Cranston · Post by **Lamont Cranston** » Wed Jan 16, 2008 5:58 pm

Several good speeds today, led by Kasey Kahne at over 189 mph. Dodge had 5 of the top 7.

Winchell · Post by **Winchell** » Thu Jan 17, 2008 10:01 am

Cool

Can't wait till they fire em back up!