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Top NASCAR Cup Series drivers Joey Logano, Denny Hamlin and Daniel Suarez took part in the first of two days of Goodyear tire testing at Texas Motor Speedway today in preparation for the 24 september.
The session began at 6:00 a.m. CT with the day’s weather forecast calling for rain early in the day and triple-digit temperatures in the afternoon. Just a few laps were completed by Team Penske, Joe Gibbs Racing and Trackhouse Racing before rain showers signaled track activity for nearly two hours.
Logano and Suarez met the media at the conclusion of on-track activity. Hamlin was unavailable for comment after the session.
Logano is a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion (2022, 2018) and has 32 career NASCAR Cup Series wins, including the 2014 spring race at Texas Motor Speedway. He has already qualified for the 2023 NASCAR Playoffs with victory on March 19 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
“It’s a unique race track when you think about its layout,” said the No.22 Penske Ford team driver. “When they repaved it (in 2017)… flat, wide in (turns) 1 and 2, off throttle. And (turns) 3 and 4 are almost wide open. You can do it for a lap or two with fresh tires or if the track temperatures are a bit cooler.
It’s just a unique place, very different from what it used to be, of course, but it also makes it very difficult to set up your race car, because the amount of bank changes from end to end doesn’t look like nowhere else we go. .”
Suarez is the first and still the only Mexican-born driver to win a NASCAR Cup Series race (Sonoma 2022). He is currently 15th in the points standings in 2023 after his second place on July 9 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. His best results at Texas Motor Speedway are a pair of third places in the two races held in 2019.
“Texas (Motor Speedway) is a place that’s very fast,” said the driver of the #99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet. “I was talking to my team about it this morning, how it took me a few laps to get used to the high speeds we have here in Texas compared to what we sometimes see elsewhere. It’s a place very tricky and I’m glad we’re testing here to figure out some things.
Texas Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager Mark Faber was also on hand to speak with the media.
“I want to thank Goodyear, the riders and the teams for coming out in this Texas heat to figure out the right tire to bring back in September for the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 weekend,” Faber said. “It’s an exciting time, not just for NASCAR but for all motorsports. Rising tides lift all ships, so we’re looking at all aspects of how we can provide a great fan experience for our guests. There’s plenty for our fans to do during our NASCAR Playoff weekend, on and off the track.
All three teams are scheduled to return to Texas Motor Speedway on Wednesday for the second and final day of tire testing.
NASCAR Playoff weekend will be highlighted by the NASCAR Xfinity Series Andy’s Frozen Custard 300 on Saturday, September 23, 2023 (2:30 p.m. CT on USA Network, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Ch. 90 and PRN), and the NASCAR Cup Series Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 on Sunday, September 24, 2023 (2:30 p.m. CT on USA Network, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Ch. 90, PRN and 95.9 The Ranch-local).
The ever-busy schedule of Texas Motor Speedway events is well under way. Upcoming events in 2023 include Solar Car Challenge (July 13-15), Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 NASCAR Qualifiers Weekend (September 23-24), Goodguys’ Summit Racing Lone Star Nationals (September 29-October 1) , Speedway Children’s Charities Smoke Show (October 11) and Gordy’s Hwy 30 Music Fest (October 19-22). The year ends with the Gift of Lights holiday light show, a favorite of families and speedway lore.