Driver reaction to 2015 rule changes

In addition to reducing engine horsepower and overall downforce on cars for 2015, NASCAR has banned private testing by teams. Since 2013, each organization has been allowed to test up to four times annually at tracks hosting Sprint Cup events, and as often as each chose at tracks not on the schedule.

Goodyear will continue to conduct tire tests at various facilities with what in the past has included at least one team from each of the three auto manufacturers — Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota. It’s possible NASCAR could allow teams a test day leading into a race weekend as well if circumstances warranted such action.

Kenseth said depending on how the Goodyear tests are conducted, “it’s kind of the same for everybody.”

“Whether we all test together or none of us test, I think it’s the same thing,” the Joe Gibbs Racing driver said. “I’m a fan of that and I think it will save the owners some money, it will keep our road guys … at home a little bit more and in the shop more.”

For Carl Edwards, who will depart Roush Fenway Racing after this season to join JGR, the lack of track time with a new team could slow the maturation process.

“But we’ll work all that out,” Edwards said. “Especially with the format the way the championship is now, I don’t feel like that should be too much trouble to get going even if it takes us a race or two.”

Teams will not spend two to three days testing at Daytona International Speedway as they have each January, time many have said was unnecessary. Less than a month later, those same teams are back on the track at DIS for approximately 10 days of activity.

“Instead of just going to Daytona and doing the same thing that we’ve done, they’ve talked a little bit about going and doing something kind of like our Chase Across North America, which, for me, was a blast and I think everybody had a good time with that,” said Edwards. “I don’t think there’s a downside at all to less testing and less time on the track at Daytona.”

The lack of opportunities to confirm changes, scrutinize chassis setups and test the durability of new pieces on the race track will put more importance on what’s already being done in the shop, where seven-post shaker rigs and simulation programs provide reams of information about a car’s performance.

“We’re just going to have to focus harder on our tools,” six-time Sprint Cup champion Jimmie Johnson said. “I don’t think that any one change is going to make or break the rules package. I think it’s a combination of changes — mechanical grip, aero balance, the engine package and gear ratio that they’re working on for a long-term vision of bringing costs down. And then a very important piece of the whole puzzle is the tire. So, it’s not an easy process for NASCAR to juggle all those items and to keep everybody smiling.”

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