Testing ban leaves empty feeling at Daytona in January

This is typically the week when the first of two groups of NASCAR drivers begins their annual test for the Daytona 500.  Testing at Daytona in January was exceedingly tedious for the majority of the Sprint Cup drivers, so much so that Tony Stewart and Robby Gordon often skipped the annual testing for the sport’s most prestigious event.  Many drivers failed to see the point in the two and a half day test, especially since there is only so much you can do to the car when a restrictor plate has been slapped on it.   However, us fans and writers rely on extra storylines throughout those two weeks in January. 

More importantly, the sound of the roaring engines, even it is just practice, represents the commencing of a new year in NASCAR.  We often check the internet for updated speeds, just to get somewhat of an idea of which driver could perhaps emerge as a favorite to win the Daytona 500, even though deep down we know those speeds are far from indicative of who is going to contend for the big win.   

In 2009, the first two weeks in January at the Daytona International Speedway will be unusually hushed.  Sure, drivers will be available on January 16-17 for Preseason Thunder Fan Fest, but we are accustomed to the cars on the track.  I guess we have been spoiled over the years.  Kudos to NASCAR for their attempt to reduce cost by implementing the testing ban, even though we know the powerhouse teams will find a way skirt the embargo.  Kevin Harvick’s crew chief Todd Berrier mentioned that they may test up to ten times in 2009 on non-NASCAR sanctioned facilities. 

Back to the Preseason Thunder Fan Fest, on January 16, defending Daytona 500 winner Ryan Newman will be joined by two-time champion Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards, Kyle Busch, Jeff Burton, Greg Biffle, Reed Sorenson, Aric Almirola, Casey Mears, Travis Kvapil, Mike Skinner, and John Wes Townley.  These drivers will be available beginning at 6 p.m.

On January 17 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth, Mark Martin, Denny Hamlin, David Ragan, Colin Braun, Paul Menard, Erik Darnell, and Alex Garcia will make an appearance.  The 4 to 8 p.m. session includes Dale Earnhardt Jr, Kevin Harvick, Michael Waltrip, Brad Keselowski, and Ron Hornaday.