DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The NASCAR Sprint Cup off-season is over and the 2012 season has begun with testing at Daytona International Speedway in preparation for the 2012 Speedweek and the 54th Daytona 500.
“This is an opportunity we are providing to the competitors to implement and test the new Daytona rules package for 2012,” said Robin Pemberton, Vice President of Competition for NASCAR. “It’s a chance for them to get comfortable with the cooling package, the smaller spoiler and to practice drafting for next month’s Daytona 500.”
The new rules package includes:
- Smaller radiators (maximum of two gallon capacity)
- Smaller Overflow tank (maximum capacity of 1/2 gallon)
- Radiator inlet is moved up closer into the front center bumper area
- Rate reduction in the springs (softer springs)
- Smaller rear spoiler
- Base line restrictor plate of 29/32 inch (1/64 inch larger than plate size for the 2011 Daytona 500)
Testing will continue Friday and Saturday giving the team crew chiefs, engineers and engine builders a chance to work with the new rules.
Jeff Gordon and Kyle Busch led all drivers in the two practice sessions on Thursday. The cars get back on the track at 9:30 a.m. eastern time on Friday morning for drafting practice.