NASCAR Testing Returns to Charlotte Motor Speedway This Week

NASCAR drivers from many of the sport’s top teams will return to Charlotte Motor Speedway this week for a second round of NASCAR Gen-6 testing, and fans can watch all the action free of charge.

More than 30 cars are expected to take the track during the two-day test. Among the teams expected to participate are Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing, Penske Racing, Richard Childress Racing, Richard Petty Motorsports, Roush Fenway Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing and more.

Testing is scheduled from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Fans who just can’t wait for the green flag to drop on the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race or the Coca-Cola 600 during the 10 greatest days in racing can watch the testing from the grandstands. Fans can enter at Gate 5A beginning at 8:30 a.m. each day.

The fun doesn’t stop with the action on the track. Every fan who buys a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series or NHRA ticket in the speedway ticket office during the test will receive a free 1:24-scale diecast car. They will also receive a voucher for a free day-of scanner rental so they can listen to their favorite driver during the test session, courtesy of Racing Electronics.

In addition, Charlotte Motor Speedway will offer behind-the-scenes tours and concessions for purchase during both test days.

The new car made its on-track debut in December to positive reviews from many drivers and crew chiefs. Drivers are looking forward to hitting the track again this week before they return in May for the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race and Coca-Cola 600.

“I’m excited and eager to get to the Charlotte test and just see how I stack up to the rest of the field because we didn’t participate in the December test,” said Jimmie Johnson, driver of the No. 48 Lowes Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. “I know our cars were fast. I think Kasey (Kahne) was whipping around there pretty quick in the December test. Change is good, but if the down force package stays like it is, they will be easier to drive in some respects and a lot faster.”

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