Start Those Engines: 2011 NASCAR Preseason Thunder At Daytona

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida This week's three-day NASCAR Sprint Cup Series test at Daytona International Speedway brings the first official engine firings of 2011. Dont think for a second that it represents the new years first official work. "I dont ever remember being this busy in my life," said Alan Gustafson, crew chief for Jeff Gordon (No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet). "We are so full-speed ahead already." Wide-open shops mean wide-open anticipation. Teams participating in the 2011 edition of NASCAR Preseason Thunder at Daytona will use the time to prepare for both the 53rd Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20 and the tracks new asphalt surface. The test scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 20 through Saturday, Jan. 22 runs from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. ET daily, weather permitting, with a noon-1 p.m. lunch break each day. "Its a very demanding time of the year," Gustafson said, "but its very gratifying because you see projects get started and you see them come to fruition." A successful Goodyear tire test on Dec. 15-16 set the stage for this weeks session. Last years repave only the second at 2.5-mile Daytona and the first since 1978 began after the NASCAR Sprint Cup event on July 3 and ended in early December. During the tire test (open to all series teams), those attending validated Goodyears compound selection for the Daytona 500, the series traditional season-opener, plus drivers and crew chiefs provided the sports first on-track feedback about the new pavement to track and NASCAR officials. "The upcoming test at Daytona should go a long way in helping the teams get their setups right for next months Speedweeks," said Robin Pemberton, NASCARs vice president of competition. "We received a lot of positive feedback from the competitors about the new racing surface at Daytona following the Goodyear tire test last month. We believe the 53rd running of the Daytona 500 has all the makings of being the most exciting one weve ever seen." Expect some re-affirmation this week, but NASCAR Preseason Thunder at Daytona means three days to shake down new equipment, personnel and strategies. And long, detailed checklists. "Its a huge race for everyone," Gustafson said of the Daytona 500. "A race that everybody wants to win; the biggest race of the year. Everybody had some reservations, so going down there with the tire test and coming back, it just confirms that Daytona is Daytona its the track we all love. Thats wonderful to know. So going back there now, its trying to exploit what little nuances of speed we can." Fans can join the fun by attending the NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest at Daytona the companion event to on-track activity. Along with watching NASCAR Preseason Thunder testing, fans can enjoy three Fan Fest sessions in Daytonas Sprint FANZONE from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 20 and from 5-7 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 21. Among the offerings: Driver question-and-answer and autograph sessions. Fans also can watch each days testing at no cost, beginning at 9 a.m. Visit www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com for more information on NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest at Daytona.