New Trucks at Daytona: So Far, They Pass The Test

No. 33 Crew Chief Rick Ren takes a closer look at the right front tire on Ron Hornaday's Chevrolet Silverado. 
(Photo: NASCAR)

"On the track today, things are looking pretty good as far as parity," said Wayne Auton, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series director, who explained that "the aerodynamics are closer, and the down force is closer, which will make for better competition on the race track."

All four models are identical from the windshield back, enabling NASCAR inspectors to use a single template to measure each one. Each manufacturer submitted a revised nosepiece, which is 1 1/2 inches higher than a year ago.

Several crew chiefs applauded the changes.

"I think that everybody's improved on it," says Mike Beam, crew chief of the No. 6 Roush Racing Ford that will be driven this season by 2003 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Travis Kvapil. "I think this is the first year I've seen NASCAR really work hard to make the trucks equal and put it back on the team for hard work (and) get rewarded for it."

Rick Ren, newly appointed crew chief for Ron Hornaday Jr. (No. 33 AES HR Solutions Chevrolet), likes the truck's potential. Ren was a five-time winner in 2006 with Johnny Benson (No. 23 Exide Battery/Toyota Certified Used Vehicles Toyota).

"You're going to have to do some chassis tuning for the aero package," says Ren, a winner in the series with four different drivers. "This package is quite different on the front aero than what any of us are used to. This is a deal where I think whoever strikes up on a combination the quickest is going to get a jump on the field."

The new trucks appear quicker.

"So far, we're faster this year than we were last year at the same time," says Jeff Hensley, crew chief for Mike Skinner's No. 5 Toyota Tundra Toyota. "Things seem to react real [well] out there, too. It's different, but it's different for everybody. I think we should be fine."

(Source: NASCAR)