Yesterday Jeff Gordon rolled into victory lane at Michigan International Speedway, and today, several NASCAR teams are back at the track in what could be an important day for the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.
Aero, engine and tire adjustments are on the docket for today’s test. NASCAR is examining reducing more downforce, and Goodyear is expected to bring a stickier tire, per NASCAR.com.
“We have a prime rules package and also will be doing a low downforce package, because some of the drivers have been very vocal,” said Gene Stefanyshyn, vice president Innovation and Racing Development for NASCAR, via NASCAR.com.
Those testing include Jamie McMurray, Kasey Kahne, Danica Patrick, Paul Menard, Brad Keselowski, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Aric Almirola, Denny Hamlin and either Clint Bowyer or Brian Vickers.
Here’s a couple early morning updates from NBCSN NASCAR AMERICA insider Nate Ryan, who is at the test:
Arrived at the Michigan test for the 2015 rules package. It’s quiet. The track is being cleaned after an engine failure. #nascar
— Nate Ryan (@nateryan) August 18, 2014
Danica Patrick brushed wall to start test’s second segment (which started double file). Restarted, then 20’s engine dropped oil. #nascar
— Nate Ryan (@nateryan) August 18, 2014
The goal of today’s test at Michigan is to try several packages aimed at improved passing on intermediate tracks. #nascar
— Nate Ryan (@nateryan) August 18, 2014