NASCAR Cup Series

Testing prepares more than the cars

Published Jan. 12, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

Jeff Hammond

Although we have a three-day test next week at Daytona International Speedway to try out the new surface, NASCAR teams have already been actively testing.

Not only are they working on getting baseline setups for their cars, but in many cases they are also working on chemistry between the driver, crew chief and team members.

Teams are and have been at Walt Disney World Speedway in Orlando, Fla., testing. They're also working on all the new parts and pieces that NASCAR has instituted for the 2011 season. For example, there is the new fuel receiver and that also affects the responsibilities on the pit stops this season. Remember there won’t be a catch-can man this year, so that throws the rhythm of things out of whack.

Teams are also working on getting a balance with this new nose configuration. The engineering departments are working hard with aero packages trying to get an idea of what this new nose needs. When a big change, like a new nose, is put into place, it always creates a plus-and-minus scenario.

You may gain in one area, while losing in another. Also, don’t forget when we get to the short tracks, this new nose affects the cooling because the duct work is different. So how is this going to affect cooling the brakes?

The other rub is, since the NASCAR-mandated change came so late, all the parts and pieces literally aren’t easily available. Now the teams are so good, they are set for the first or second race of the season, but they are trying to work ahead in that area. Teams pride themselves in being four or five cars ahead in preparation, but right now they aren’t. You also have show-car needs that have to be addressed, so not having all the parts readily available adds to the stress level for these teams.

With the downsizing of teams and the realignment of teams, there has been an influx in new talent. So, there are still teams going through the process of adding or releasing employees. With more options available in the talent pool, teams are continuing to try to identify their weak areas and make changes. Like I said at the end of the season, if your team didn’t perform up to expectations in 2010, you need to make a change. So right now, there are new people in different places.

Do we have everyone where we need them is a big question right now. Teams are evaluating that.

Then there’s the process of building chemistry within the organization among the new faces. That is a really important aspect, too. So, as I mentioned earlier, that’s another goal within the test sessions.

Teams are getting to know their new members and watching how everyone works together. You simply can’t wait until February’s SpeedWeeks in Daytona to see how your team works together.