NASCAR Anticipates Engaging New Year

Reigning 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, left, talks with Lance McGrew, crew chief on the No. 25 National Guard/GMAC Chevrolet.
(Photo: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)

The results so far? Vickers says the cars are performing well. In particular, Vickers and his team paid close attention to the bodywork and its proximity to the wheels - a good indicator of the accuracy of chassis setups. At Daytona, where aerodynamics is critical, minute details and measurements can make a difference.

"So far, we've had minimal fender rubs," says Vickers, referring to the fenders rubbing against the tires. "For a brand-new team and car, that's good. We've just got to have a good smooth test, nothing go wrong, get laps on the car, try stuff and learn to communicate."

Johnson ready to race Reigning NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and Daytona 500 champion Jimmie Johnson (No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet) arrived at Daytona in good shape and in good spirits. Johnson injured his wrist in a golf tournament during the off-season.  "My wrist is good; I'm feeling good," Johnson says. "I'm going to wear a splint in the car, just to be smart and to be sure, but my cast is off and my hand is working. The timing was perfect; I had the off-season to heal up, and I'm ready for Daytona." As further proof of his good health, Johnson says he's proceeding with his plans to race in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona road racing event on Jan. 27 and 28.

Kasey Kahne signs autographs for fans during NASCAR Jackson Hewitt Preseason Thunder at Daytona International Speedway. 
(Photo: Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)New team for Nemechek Joe Nemechek (No. 13 Ginn Racing Chevrolet) arrived at Daytona to begin his 15th season in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. His team has no points in the owners' standings, meaning Nemechek isn't locked in the field for any of the first five races.  Regardless, Nemechek is rested and ready for the season. He spent his off-season with friends and family, including a ski trip and one other unique trip - Nemechek took his son to visit and ride with motocross legend Ricky Carmichael.  "That was cool," Nemechek says. "It's like any kid's dream right there." Avenger is Dodge's choice for Car of Tomorrow The Car of Tomorrow brings many changes to the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, including a new model from the Chrysler Group. The manufacturer announced plans today for the Dodge Avenger to compete in the 16 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series events in 2007 that will feature the Car of Tomorrow. The Avenger is scheduled to debut at Bristol Motor Speedway in March, when the Car of Tomorrow will be raced for the first time. Pit stops: Around the Daytona garage NASCAR NEXTEL Cup veteran Jeff Green (No. 66 Best Buy Chevrolet) knows hunting - he snared an eight-point buck during the most recent deer season - but the pursuit of speed has proven to be more elusive. Enter Crew Chief Harold Holly, who, together with Green, bagged the fastest time in Wednesday afternoon's session: 48.200 seconds (186.722 mph). As a three-time Daytona 500 champion, Dale Jarrett (No. 44 UPS Toyota) is embarking on one of the most interesting seasons of his NASCAR NEXTEL Cup career. With a new team - Michael Waltrip Racing - and a new manufacturer - Toyota - Jarrett looks forward to making history, and working with a new crew chief, Matt Borland, who Jarrett is giving early, positive reviews. 

Rookie driver Peter Shepherd prepares to head back out on the high banks of Daytona International Speedway during NASCAR Jackson Hewitt Preseason Thunder testing. 
(Photo: NASCAR)

"I've preached for a long time about needing engineers, and so I have one as a crew chief now," Jarrett says. "I think that's a benefit to any race team. (I'm) not saying that you have to have that to be successful, but obviously if you have an engineer in that position, they are much more willing and able to work with the engineering staff. I see that with Matt, and I think everybody is very comfortable with him."

Third car approved for Daytona test Cup teams attending this month's Daytona test sessions now have the option of breaking out a third car during their session's third day. It's a change from previous procedure, which mandated that teams use two cars - a primary and backup car - for testing.  Series Director John Darby says the change came as a result of several teams' requests. NASCAR Jackson Hewitt Preseason Thunder is the series' only three-day test, and allows teams to have more flexibility with their cars.  "It's very easy to accommodate a third car here, if a team chooses to do that," Darby says. "It's helpful for teams who are in the (Budweiser) Shootout. It's helpful for teams who have built new cars for Daytona and Talladega, and also for the Cars of Tomorrow."  Following the annual preseason sessions at Daytona, NASCAR NEXTEL Cup teams have six 2007 tests remaining - at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Jan. 29-30), Bristol Motor Speedway (Feb. 28-March 1), Richmond International Raceway (April 3-4), Lowe's Motor Speedway (May 7-8), Dover International Speedway (May 14-15) and Talladega Superspeedway (Sept. 10-11). (Source: NASCAR)