September 10, 2007

TALLADEGA, Ala. – The first of a two day Car of Tomorrow test session at Talladega Superspeedway got underway this morning with 37 cars taking to the 2.66-mile track.

Two single-car sessions were completed in the morning practice. NAPA AUTO PARTS driver Michael Waltrip was the fastest of the Toyota teams in the first session. His quick lap was 50.909 seconds (188.100 mph), good for the 11th-quickest time. Michael Waltrip Racing teammates Dale Jarrett posted the 30th-fastest lap (51.294 seconds/186.689 miles per hour) and David Reutimann turned the 46th-fast lap (51.550 seconds/185.761 mph). Quickest in the morning session was Denny Hamlin with a time of 50.517 seconds (189.560 mph).

In the second session, Waltrip posted the 10th-fastest time (51.254 seconds/186.834 mph). Teammates Jarrett and Reutimann were 11th and 22nd, respectively. Hamlin was once again on top of the board with a lap of 50.843 seconds (188.345 miles per hour).

“These Car of Tomorrow cars are a lot of fun to drive at Talladega,” said Waltrip after climbing out of his NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota Camry. “I think the biggest thing the fans will notice is the difference in sound. These cars sound much louder. They really sound cool.

“I am really looking forward to the drafting sessions and learning how these cars will run in packs. I anticipate really good racing. We should have an exciting race when we return in October.

“NASCAR is thinking about trying a different restrictor plate while we are here. In what direction they will go – smaller or bigger – remains to be seen. Regardless, the NAPA team is having a good day and learning a ton of stuff.”

Currently, Waltrip is participating in the afternoon drafting session. As for tomorrow, teams will once again practice from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, with a one-hour break for lunch at noon.

Practice results from both sessions:

Morning Session

Afternoon Session