Top of the Speed Chart – 206MPH

Posted on: January 12, 2012

Preseason testing is now underway at Daytona International Speedway. The No. 51 team arrived Wednesday night in preparation for 3 full days of testing of the new rule changes and drafting with their fellow competitors. Kurt Busch and the team have hit the track and early in the 3 day testing session they are third on the speed chart.

Stay tuned for daily updates and a summary of the testing speeds at Daytona.

Some of the rule changes the teams are testing include:

- Smaller radiators – Maximum 2 gallon capacity
- Smaller overflow tank – Maximum capacity of ½ 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

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Update:  Thursday, January 12th – Morning Session

Kurt Busch – 3rd fastest with a speed of 192.361mph

Update:  Thursday, January 12th – Afternoon Session

Kurt Busch – 14th fastest with a speed of 192.164mph

“Fun is the first priority, and, we’re going to work hard and play hard.”

The team was very happy with the outcome in the first day of testing and they looked forward to drafting practice on Friday.

Nascar increased the diameter of the restrictor-plate openings 1/32nd of an inch to 15/16ths inches, adding an estimated 26 horsepower to the engines. In addition, NASCAR has lowered the pressure relief valve settings from 30 pounds per square inch to 25 psi and narrowed the grille openings of the cars, thereby decreasing airflow to the engine. Both measures are designed to decrease the number of laps one car can push another without overheating.

Update:  Friday, January 13th – Morning Session

Kurt is currently 11th on the chart at 194.502mph

Bumped up to 7th at 195.143 mph

The morning ended with Kurt at 9th at 196.014mph

Update:  Friday, January 13th – Afternoon Session

The No. 51 is at the top of the chart at 206mph!

Busch said the Phoenix Racing crew sent team owner James Finch a picture of the No. 51 on top of the scoring pylon and he was doing “backflips.” The car itself was “good.”

“It’s very stable rules-package-wise,” Busch said. “This is my first time driving Finch’s car, but it’s more stable than what I’ve had to drive in the past.”

NASCAR announced more changes for Sprint Cup Series teams after the second day of testing at Daytona International Speedway on Friday. Teams will receive a smaller restrictor plate with an opening of 29/32nd of an inch, down from 15/16ths, to decrease the amount of air intake to the engine. The radiator opening was shrunk from 3.5-by-18 inches to 2-by-20 inches, or from 63 square inches to 40. And the pressure relief valve is now 21 pounds per square inch from the 25psi they used Friday. The top speed in Friday’s test session was set 90 minutes into the afternoon by Kurt Busch. He ran a 206.058-mph average lap working in tandem with his regular drafting partner, Regan Smith. Busch hit 210.9 mph down the backstretch, the fastest portion of the track.

Update:  Saturday, January 14th – Morning Session

Another good day for the Phoenix Racing No. 51 Chevy. 3rd on the chart at 199.464mph.

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