In a recent move to save money and avoid spiralling development costs, NASCAR has banned team testing at tracks that host any NASCAR events, whether it be Sprint Cup, Nationwide or Camping World (ex-Craftsman) and even Camping World East and West series. What's more, NASCAR will not allow teams to use Goodyear racing tires if they choose testing at any other track than those specified in the new rules. That means that any NASCAR team wanting to test this fall will have to chose a track that does not host an official NASCAR race leaving only a few interesting venues such as the older Rockingham Speedway, the almost abandoned and very soon to be destroyed Pikes Peak Speedway or, why not, the Sanair Super Speedway in Quebec, the perfect choice for the Camping World East and West series. As far as tires are concerned, NASCAR teams will have to turn to Hoosier or even BF Goodrich tires to test. Obviously, using such tire brands will retain very little useful data.Roush-Fenway team owner Jack Roush (Fords No 6, 16, 17, 26 and 99) came up with an incredible solution: banning NASCAR testing for all series as a gentlemen's agreement...that is if, according to J.D. Gibbs, president of Joe Gibbs Racing (Camry No 11, 18 and 20), assuming that "everyone at NASCAR's are gentlemen!" To be followed... photo: NASCAR - Getty Images
NASCAR: Testing or no testing?