CONCORD, N.C. (Dec. 11, 2012) – NASCAR teams took to Charlotte Motor Speedway on Tuesday for the first day of a two-day test session in preparation for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.
The session included both single-car runs and several simulated race sessions of nine or 10 cars each. This was the first open test for the sixth generation NASCAR Sprint Cup car.
“There’s a lot of things different, especially for me, because it’s all different than what I’m used to running,” said Matt Kenseth, driver of the No. 20 Toyota. “But, the cars feel good. They’ve got a ton of grip. I felt like they had a lot of rear grip especially with that cambered rear end. I’m not sure if that’s necessary or not, but overall just seems like a lot more grip than when we raced here in the fall.”
Teams participating in the test included Hendrick Motorsports, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, Penske Racing, Richard Childress Racing, Richard Petty Motorsports, Stewart-Haas Racing and Wood Brothers Racing. Testing will continue tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a break for lunch at noon.
The Ford Grandstand on the frontstretch will open on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. for the public to enjoy the on-track debut of the new 2013 cars. Fans should enter through gate 5B, by the main ticket office.
Fans can visit the ticket office during the test to reserve their 2013 NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and Coca-Cola 600 seats for a down payment of just $10. Interest-free payment plans are available just in time for the holidays and race weekend ticket packages start at just $99. New Brad Keselowski 2012 championship merchandise is also now available in the speedway gift shop.
Following the conclusion of testing each day, fans can get in the holiday spirit by visiting the Coca-Cola Family Ice Rink at 4 p.m. and the Speedway Christmas light show at 6 p.m.
Ticket information for all Charlotte Motor Speedway events can be obtained by calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267) or online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.
Connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway by following on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CLTMotorSpdwy or become a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/charlottemotorspeedway.
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