Jeff Wackerlin
Managing Editor
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Posted Monday, January 7, 2008 |
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Speeds | Video Recap | Photos | Schedule
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson topped both the morning and afternoon sessions in Monday's first day of Preseason Thunder testing at Daytona International Speedway.
Johnson turned a lap of 184.782 mph in his Hendrick Motorsports Lowe's Chevrolet to top the initial session of the 2008 testing schedule Monday morning.
The two-time champion backed up that effort in the afternoon runs with a top lap of 184.672 mph.
"It is early, but we've had a great practice session so far," Johnson said. "I was really surprised how much handling was a part of today's speed. Typically when we come to the restrictor-plate tracks, it's about making the cars slick, they all drive about the same, they're fine. This car, first time being here on such a rough surface, there's a lot of speed in making the car drive right. It's been fun."
Casey Mears, who is making his debut behind the wheel of the No. 5 Chevrolet, was the first to take a lap around the 2.5-mile superspeedway. Mears had the second and third quickest times in both sessions, turning laps in two different No. 5 machines.
The other pair of Hendrick teammates, Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt, Jr., are also on hand for this week's test. Gordon's best lap came in the afternoon session at 183.636 mph.
Earnhardt, Jr. is in the role of observer this week and will take to the track for the first time in 2008 as a Hendrick driver in next week's second session.
"Most drivers, if they’re not here testing, they don’t want to be here so I was surprised," Gordon said about Earnhardt Jr. attending the test. "I think it says a lot and it’s smart on his part. I’m really proud of him for doing that because he’s going to be here without his teammates next week."
The Toyota camp got off to a good start with Camry drivers Jacques Villeneuve, A.J. Allmendinger, Kyle Busch and J.J. Yeley finding a spot in the top 10.
"So far, it looks like a competitive car at Daytona," said Allmendinger. "We weren't bad this morning. Our guys did a lot of work to get the bodies right in the off-season and Toyota has stepped up their game. It's a combination of everything. We're only three hours in to a long process, but last year at this time, I don't think we were ahead of anyone after the first session. We've definitely had a better start and that gives us something to build on."
Travis Kvapil made his return to the Cup Series along with the No. 28 today and was the fastest Ford of the two sessions. Kvapil's best lap in the Yates Racing machine came in the afternoon at 183.580 mph.
Juan Pablo Montoya was the top Dodge driver with a lap of 182.741 mph.
Martin Truex Jr. was not present for the first day of testing and is expected to be at the track on Tuesday. Aric Almirola tested the No. 1 in Truex's absence.
A total of 25 teams are participating in the first group in preparation for the 50th running of the Daytona 500 and the first full season for the Car of Tomorrow.
Be sure to check back with RacingOne through out the next two days for updates, photos and speeds.
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