LVMS is 1.5 miles in length, requiring a body design much different that that of a superspeedway car, which will be used at Daytona. Downforce is a key component at LVMS and a majority of the events on the NASCAR schedule. The two day test session at Las Vegas, offered to each team competing on the circuit, allowed for everyone to see how they stack up against the competition and what changes need to be implemented heading into the 2006 season.
“I’ve been looking forward to getting into the No. 41 Target Dodge since last November,” said Sorenson. “The Daytona test was beneficial and gave me some practice time in the draft. But, I’ve been anxious about the Las Vegas test because it really gives you an indication of where you stand against the other teams.”
The Dodge teams struggled to find the balance on the 1.5-mile to 2 mile tracks last season as a result of a new nose configuration set by Dodge and a number of rules implemented by NASCAR, including a shorter spoiler and softer tire compound. All of the teams were forced to overcome the changes, but those outside of the Dodge camp had a shorter learning curve because they were competing with the same body from the previous year.
As the 2005 season drew to a close crew chief Jimmy Elledge and the Target Team demonstrated that they had found a niche with their “downforce” cars, threatening to win two of the final three events on 1.5-mile tracks with driver Casey Mears. Now at the helm in ’06, Sorenson hopes they pick up right where they left off.
“Casey (Mears), Jimmy (Elledge) and the Target Team came on strong towards the end of last season,” said Sorenson. “They clearly had cars capable of winning at Texas and Homestead, but circumstances kept them out of winners circle. We actually tested the car they used at both of those events and it drove great.
“Overall it was a successful test for us. Both cars ran well out there and we plan on using one of them at California and the other at Las Vegas. We learned a few things that we’ll work on prior to the races, but I’m much more at ease about the start of the season, because I feel like we’re going to be competitive right out of the box.
Sorenson and the Target Team posted the 21st fastest lap out of 48 teams that tested at LVMS. The fastest lap was set at 31.620 sec./170.778 mph. Sorenson turned a fast lap of 32.169 sec./167.863 mph. The Las Vegas Motor Speedway event is scheduled for Mar. 12.
While all of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup teams tested at Daytona International Speedway in preparation for the season opening Daytona 500, the test most have been anticipating was this week’s session at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (LVMS). Rookie of the Year candidate Reed Sorenson was pleased with the results of his Daytona test, which gave him some much needed drafting practice. However, if asked which one is more important, he along with practically every other driver will say the two days spent at LVMS.
