Pre-Season Testing run down:
Hendrick: Staples looked Decently fast as did Stacy Dutta, both drivers from this pace should contest for a win or two... The cars are relatively balanced as well
FBR: The Fuel Brothers swept 2nd and 3rd in testing... both of which at times were the top dog, there cars look like a threat to win at the Short Tracks, but they aren't really that Aerodynamic. So don't expect them to do much at the Faster tracks.
SRT: Cangek and Wascher ran pretty much in the middle all session, they should be great on the slower tracks, but Dodge's engine program isn't great this year... And I think they have the slowest cars in a straight line... But they are light and easy to control...
JGR: Disappointing run for JGR, in fact it was downright awful... The 20 of Haupt only got above 24th with 30 seconds left in the session, and James Shelly smacked the turn 4 wall early on.
Roush: Roush won't be at Daytona or St. Pete, however they weren't banned from testing. But they didn't get a lot of data from Rochester in the 16 due to him getting spun during the session... (See Testing photos) And Tristan Wilhoit wasn't that impressive either... Kinda of like JGR, disappointing.
RykiaSport: Rykiasport is a huge concern for everyone, as they didn't show up for the session. There are rumors that they had their own private session. However we can't confirm that... My prediction is either they will be fast out of the gate, or REALLY SLOW!!!
RCR: Looks decent this year. There testing results show that they are mid-fielders. However, they once again have a strong high speed oval package... So expect them to be a threat there...
Haas: DJ Kurtis was fastest in the 14 car. Joshua Micheals wasn't far behind him in 4th... Expect the Haas cars to actually be decent this year! And even contend for wins...
Team Discovery: They weren't at the test session because they were running in the Rolex 24 @ Daytona. However there car in a private session looked like a decent point scoring car... So maybe the newbie team will actually do something.
Red Bull: HUGE LET DOWN!!! They looked SLOW AS STINK OUT THERE!!! Randy Carpenter was last in the running order, and Treck Tauger wasn't much better. The car is VERY difficult to drive, but has a CRAP-TON of power... So watch out for them in Daytona. But besides that, they won't be much of a threat... And yes this is RED BULL I AM TALKING ABOUT!
RPM: The old Evernham team is using identical paintschemes... Both Sony Cup Series Champ Sean Perkins and Alex Allen weren't too impressive, so don't much early on from them.
BK Racing: The idea of a fast food chain running their own ARCSOA team doesn't sound real promising. And the BK car is BY FAR the slowest in a straight line... But they are LIGHT, and not once did either BK car loose grip on the dilapidating Savannah Speedway pavement... So expect them to be decent at tracks that require a good handling car...
KSI: This team formed two weeks ago... and right now are buying 2nd hand spare Hendrick and Haas cars... Max Skinner did a good job out there, Amy Shelly was LOST!!! However, these cars should improve once they start making their own cars. We should expect them by Round 4...
