Goodyear test to give Nextel Cup cars first laps on high banks of LVMS

LAS VEGAS – Las Vegas Motor Speedway’s new high banks will be tested by NASCAR Nextel Cup cars for the first time this week.

Kyle Busch, driver of the No. 5 Kellogg’s Chevrolet, and Greg Biffle, driver of the No. 16 Roush Racing Ford, will participate in a two-day tire test for Goodyear on Wednesday and Thursday. It will mark the first time Nextel Cup cars have turned hot laps on the superspeedway since the banking in the turns was raised from 12 degrees to 20 degrees and the entire tri-oval was repaved.

“I’m anxious to get out on the new surface at Las Vegas Motor Speedway,” Busch said. “Last year the No. 5 team wasn’t selected for any tire tests. But the Hendrick Motorsports teams that were selected brought back great information. Another bonus is that it’s also the first time I will be on the new banking so I hope it helps us when we go back to Vegas for the race in the spring. We have two top-fives there and nothing would be sweeter than a win in my hometown.”

Goodyear engineers will use this test to help determine a tire compound to be used in the March 11 UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400. This test also will determine the tire race teams will use during the NASCAR-sanctioned test for all Nextel Cup teams Jan. 28-29.

Tickets as well as Neon Garage and pre-race activities passes are available for the March 9-11 NASCAR Weekend by calling 1-800-644-4444 or by logging on to www.lvms.com.