NASCAR has added interesting lines to the rule book
Testing is strictly prohibited outside of tests sanctioned by NASCAR themselves. The sport cracked down on testing years ago in an attempt to reduce costs.
At the same time, race weekends in recent years have seen very little, or in some cases, no practice sessions. Typically, in 2022, most weekend practice sessions for the NASCAR Cup Series are just 20 minutes.
That has left very little time for a driver to jump in from other fields of motorsports and learn the machine. They would essentially run an unfamiliar car for just 20 minutes then throw them in the race.
A few weeks ago, Trackhouse Racing announced they would be fielding a third car in select events. Yet, the driver of that car is expected to come from areas outside of stock car racing, like Indycar, F1 or Rallycross.
Trackhouse Racing’s third car will be the No. 91 machine.
Now, NASCAR has updated their testing rules. ‘Elite’ drivers will be permitted to test, with the approval of NASCAR.
The catch to this test is that the team fielding the driver in the race cannot provide the vehicle or equipment for the test session. The driver will be required to test with a different team. However, the team the intends to race with that ‘Elite’ driver will be required to pay for all testing costs to the team running the test with the driver.
Trackhouse Racing adds third NASCAR entry with Project 91
Updated NASCAR testing rules for ‘Elite’ drivers
– “The driver must be approved by NASCAR.”
– “The driver must have elite credentials from the highest forms of motorsports in the world.”
– “The driver must be entered into a NASCAR Cup Series event(s) by a current organization actively participating in NASCAR Cup Series events.”
– “Only drivers that are licenced and approved for Competition for the appropriate track type in the NASCAR Cup Series will be eligible to participate in a Select Driver Orientation Test.”
– “The driver must not have previously tested or competed at a similar track type in a Next Gen vehicle.”
– “Only one Next Gen vehicle of suitable specification for the track type at which the test will be conducted is permitted.”
– “A backup vehicle will not be permitted.”
– “The test must be conducted with 90 days of the entered event.”
– “No other drivers are permitted to test or “shake-down” the vehicle.”
– “The organization fielding the driver at the Event may not be the primary test team, but may send up to four representatives.”
– “The organization conducting the test must be approved by NASCAR.”
– “Unless approved by NASCAR, only equipment (including the vehicle) from the testing organization will be permitted at the test.”
– “The organization fielding the driver at the Event will be responsible for all testing costs.”
NASCAR hints at schedule changes for 2023
