Open Test Thread: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Preseason Thunder | Daytona International Speedway

NASCAR has again mandated pack-drafting at Daytona International Speedway for Saturday’s final Preseason Thunder test session. With speeds topping 200 mph, there should be a multitude of topics to discuss. With that in mind, I’ve posted an open (test) thread. After all, it’s the preseason for us bloggers and media-types too.

Jeff Gordon and Kasey Kahne topped the charts in the morning session, a two-car tandem test with speeds of 201.545 - both drivers. (Full morning session times can be found after the jump.)

The afternoon session will be pack drafting only and in response, three teams have decided not to participate. All three Stewart-Haas cars of Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman and Danica Patrick will not pack draft. They are done for the month.

This is in addition to five-time Series champion Jimmie Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus deciding to only test single-car runs. The duo decided that drafting is too much of a risk for what they hope is a race-winning car. They are also believed to be done for the month.

Pack drafting, larger restrictor plates and new faces in new places. These are the weekend’s top stories. What’s on your mind? Tell us in the comments section below.

Let’s rock.

Some Notes:
Drivers are working on single and double car runs.
The teams of #13-Mears and #39-Newman left after yesterday’s tests ended.
Drivers are expected to test in a large pack at the beginning of the afternoon session.(1-14-2012)