Dale Earnhardt Jr was testing tires for Goodyear at the Texas Motor Speedway Tuesday, but NASCAR rules have greatly reduced individual team testing. “I'm all for it, testing is ah, you know, to be quite frank, testing is one of the most boring things we do,” he said laughing.
The 2006 season is almost here. “It’ll be here before you know it,” said Earnhardt. But because of the changes in testing at tracks, this will be Earnhardt’s only trip to Texas for testing, until they race in April.
Last year, was Earnhardt's sixth season as a Cup driver, but statistically, it was his worst. He finished 19th, down three from his rookie season, and missed the chase for the Nextel Cup. He's been reuinted with his hold Crew Chief, Tony Eury Jr, one of a many changes at Dale Earnhardt Incorportated.
“Its good to be partnered back with the team that I was with when i had my past success,” says Earnhardt. “We got a couple of extra guys that came from the team that I ran with last year, and everybody seems really excited about how things are going so far.”
Things certainly couldn't get much worse after a year where the number-8 car found victory lane only once. The focus now is on a turnaround.
Says Earnhardt, “This is a big deal for all of us, our cars are really coming together. I mean I'm going out there and running some wicked fast laps, with ease, the car is really fun to driver, that says a lot about our potential and our chances this season.”
When the first group of Cup teams that reported to Daytona International Speedway to complete their three-day test, they will not be able to test at the track at any other point during the season.
The Cup series has six tests scheduled this season. They include Daytona, Las Vegas, Charlotte, Richmond, Va., and Homestead, Fl. The Busch Series has four, including Daytona, Las Vegas, Charlotte and Richmond.
In 2005, teams were limited to five two-day tests and four one-day tests. Rookies weregetting seven two-day tests and five one-day tests. Tests at tracks not used in the series did not count against the limit, a policy that remains unchanged.
The biggest impact, may be on the rookies, who will miss valuable track time.
As for Earnhardt, his goal is to be back in the chase for the Nextel Cup this year. He didn't make it last year, and missing it two straight years, would be unacceptable.
By the way, Goodyear didn't want us covering this session of tire testing. Not sure why, like reporters can tell what kind of compound their using.
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