Jeff Gordon will be among the first to get back on the track in 2006. He'll be testing at Daytona Jan. 9-11. Credit: Autostock

Preseason Thunder set to kick off 2006 season

The 2006 Nextel Cup Series season will begin with test sessions at Daytona International Speedway in preparation for the season-opening 48th annual Daytona 500 on Feb. 19.

	ACCELERATION 2006 There's more to the new season than just driver changes. Read more about what to watch for as we rev toward Daytona.  •   Complete coverage, click here COUNTDOWN TO DAYTONA We're gearing up for Daytona by celebrating stock-car racing's history with a state-by-state look at the sport.  •   Countdown to Daytona Archive

Fans can watch all of the January testing sessions free from the Oldfield Grandstands located just outside of DAYTONA USA:
• Jan. 9-11: Nextel Cup (odd owners' points)
• Jan. 13-15: Craftsman Truck (all trucks)
• Jan. 16-18: Nextel Cup (even owners' points)
• Jan. 20-22: Busch Series (all cars)

The Fan Fest events, which include fan forums, bands, show cars, pit stop demonstrations and displays, start at 5 p.m. but fans will be able to enter the NEXTEL FANZONE beginning at 9 a.m. to watch testing. Admissions for the Nextel Cup Fan Fest dates are $15. Busch and Truck series' admissions are $10.

NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest will be held:
• Jan. 10: Cup Fan Fest
• Jan. 13: Truck Fan Fest
• Jan. 17: Cup Fan Fest
• Jan. 21: Busch Fan Fest

Tickets for Preseason Thunder Fan Fests are available online or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Tickets for the 2006 Daytona 500 and all other Speedweeks 2006 events are on sale now. Order your tickets online or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.