Several NASCAR Cup Series stars, including series champion, Ryan Blaney, participated in a test at Phoenix Raceway Tuesday. The two-day test is part of an effort to get rid of shifting and enhance the racing product on short tracks.
There are no plans to make any runs without diffusers, it appears they are trying out some size variations. The main focus of the test includes different aerodynamics underneath the car, several gearing options, and multiple Goodyear tire combinations. NASCAR continues to adjust the Next-Gen car to negate shifting in hopes of not having to create a rule stating that drivers cannot shift during racing.
Six drivers, two from each manufacturer participated in the first day of the test. For Ford, Blaney and Chris Buescher were the designated drivers. Toyota had Christopher Bell and Erik Jones, and Chevrolet had Corey LaJoie and Kyle Larson.
The test signified the first appearance for Legacy Motor Club with Toyota, after leaving Chevrolet at the end of the season. It was also the debut of the new Toyota Camry XSE body that will race in the series next year.
Ford also debuted their new Ford Mustang Dark Horse body, and the test provided crucial information with their first time on track.
