Full Throttle

So it begins, with Daytona testing beginning today another long NASCAR season has arrived.

Be forewarned, unless something miraculous happens (Like a Ganassi car topping the timesheets) it will probably be my only post on the subject.

Why you ask? Simple I don’t care. In fact I’ll probably put more effort into listening for the proverbial “silent falling tree” in the woods than I will for Daytona testing. And again you ask why?

Because they don’t mean dog squat and there is no better example than seeing Tony Stewart skip ‘05 testing and go on to his second Cup Championship. And to further the point here are the times from the morning session in 2005: #24 Jeff Gordon 185.265, #36 Boris Said 185.181, #19 Jeremy Mayfield 184.506, #16 Greg Biffle at 184.430 and #97 Kurt Busch at 184.419.

These are the results from the afternoon session: #24 Jeff Gordon 185.448, #98 Randy LaJoie 185.231, #36 Boris Said 184.642, #38 Elliott Sadler at 184.604 and #16 Greg Biffle at 184.456.

Granted these are just the even number cars but odd number testing pretty much mirrored these. There is not a consistent winner in the bunch with the exception of Biffle. And before you say it… yes I agree, Jeff Gordon had the quickest test times and won the 500.

So what, still proof of ziltch as far as I’m concerned.

The only thing of possible interest is the performance of the new Fords and Chevys. With both brands rolling out new body styles I would expect both camps to extract as much on track time as possible during the short time available.

As for the Dodges they may be in for another disappointing year. With no competition rules changes for 2006 (YET!) and the Dodge bunch still stuck with the smaller rear spoiler and their paper sucking, cow catcher of a grill for the second year I fail to see any improvement over 2005.

Unless the Fusion and Monte Carlo just plain suck and that isn’t likely. Ford development of the Fusion has taken an entirely new form from how the Taurus was designed with an eye towards breaking Chevy’s strangle hold on the Manufacturers Championship.

Chevy on the other hand may have problems if their first test of the ‘06 Monte was an indication. (And disregarding the thousands of testing miles since.)

As I write this the first test session will start shortly. Don’t expect to see the results posted here - barring that Ganassi miracle noted earlier.

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