NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Drivers Support 2009 Testing Ban

• SEE ALSO: ALL NASCAR ARTICLES

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. November 14, 2008: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers voiced support of today’s announcement at Homestead-Miami Speedway that testing will be suspended in 2009 for all three national series and two regional series.

Crew chiefs and owners also spoke positively of the ban, which will help teams manage costs.

Testing for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, NASCAR Nationwide Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and two regional series – the NASCAR Camping World East and West Regional Touring Series – will be banned at tracks hosting events in those series.

“Good decision, good for NASCAR,” said driver Clint Bowyer, currently sixth in the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. “We have to save our team owners and sponsors some money and that is a good way to do it.”

“I think it’s a great move by NASCAR,” said driver Carl Edwards, currently second in the Chase. “I think that gives a little bit of relief to the teams, as far as expenses, and the team owners. That’s a good thing. It’ll make it a little easier on all the guys.”

Ray Evernham, co-owner of Gillett Evernham Racing, said the ban would help ease teams’ operating costs during challenging economic times.

“I think it’s good,” Evernham said. “NASCAR is making an attempt. At a time where costs need to be reduced, they’re taking action. I’m sure with any other changes, there are going to be some adjustments made, but they’re taking some action to help reduce the cost and I know for a fact that one of the biggest costs is testing.”

“I think the testing thing will be all right,” said driver Matt Kenseth, the 2003 NASCAR Sprint Cup champion who’s currently eighth in the Chase. “I think either way it might even make the racing better.”

“I think it’s the right thing for NASCAR right now,” said Rodney Childers, crew chief for driver Elliott Sadler. "There are a lot of teams and people struggling with the economy the way it is and sponsors not wanting to spend the money like they did. It’s going to be the right thing to keep the sport healthy.”

“This is an unprecedented time in NASCAR,” said Bobby Labonte, the 2000 NASCAR Sprint Cup champion. “It makes sense that NASCAR had to do something different to try and help the teams. They can’t control the cost of the teams and what they spend, but I hope NASCAR can help control a major chunk until the storm is over – hopefully this rule will accomplish that.”