Sadler tops speed chart during testing at Charlotte

CONCORD, N.C. -- "Data" was the word of the day as nearly 50 Sprint Cup Series teams tested Monday at Lowe's Motor Speedway in preparation for the All-Star Race and the Coca-Cola 600.

Throughout the garage area, engineers and crew chiefs poured through computer data gathered on the 1.5-mile superspeedway as teams continue to learn the handling nuances of the new Cup Series racecar.

Sadler

Elliott Sadler ended up on top of the speed chart, posting a lap of 186.245 mph during the evening session.

A last-minute addition to the NASCAR schedule, teams praised NASCAR and speedway officials for hosting the two-day session.

"It's so tough to get track time right now, especially on tracks that we compete at," said three-time Coca-Cola 600 winner Jimmie Johnson.

"If you're not on the real track, it's really tough to have anything to carry over and help the team. On top of that, to get tires, because without the right tires to test with, it's a very big struggle too.

"This test was welcomed by everyone. We're glad to be out here and I think it will help us advance the Car of Tomorrow and put on a better show here for the 600 and All-Star weekend," Johnson said.

"Obviously, this was not a scheduled test, so I think it's great for us to get extra information," Jeff Gordon said. "We're gathering all kinds of data with the car and obviously looking for speed. Sometimes that takes more time. When you only have a couple hours of practice at the race track, it's sometimes hard to find that. You can take your time a little more [during a test] and really try things and make changes.

"Based on our first couple of runs out there [Monday] morning, I'm pretty glad we're here," he added. "Gathering data and information is what we're really here for. I think that by having all the cars here, it's going to make for a little bit better race. The more cars and teams that test, the more we get the cars closer to one another and we won't have one car that just checks out."

All-Star Race

SPEED will again broadcast the Sprint Showdown and All-Star Race. Tune in at 7 p.m. ET on May 17 to watch rivals race for $1 million -- and the fireworks!

• All-Star coverage

There were two incidents during the 10-hour testing session. The first came shortly after the lunch break when David Gilliland slid high in Turn 2 and brushed the outside SAFER barrier. He was able to drive his No. 38 Ford back to the garage area. Then, Scott Riggs spun in Turn 4 during the evening session, but did not make wall contact.

Testing continues from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, and the frontstretch grandstand will be open free of charge.

Also, the tradition of the "Royal Flush" continues at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. Officials and fans will test the speedway's massive sewer and water infrastructure. Fans are invited to lend a hand with the flushing and participants will receive an official "Royal Flush Society" T-shirt and have the opportunity to receive $5 off any Coca-Cola 600 ticket purchased on Tuesday evening.

Tickets for all May events at Lowe's Motor Speedway, including the May 17 All-Star Race and the May 25 Coca-Cola 600, can be purchased by calling the track ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS or online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.