Four drivers – Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Martin Truex Jr. and Carl Edwards – drove the cars, designed to give more brand identity to each manufacturer.
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| Carl Edwards takes the 2013 NASCAR Ford Fusion for a spin. (Photo: Martinsville Speedway) |
The test provided Goodyear with information on which to base its compounds for next season. Key to this effort is the removal of 100 pounds of weight from the new generation vehicles, including 60 on the right side which, in current models, is infamous for putting pressure on the tires on that part of the car.
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| Jimmie Johnson tests his 2013 NASCAR Chevy SS. (Photo: Martinsville Motor Speedway) |
While the impact of this weight removal won’t be felt as much on a short track, it’s hoped it will pay off more on a high-speed track like Michigan, where resurfacing caused blisters that prompted Goodyear to change tires the night before the race in June.
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| Richard Childress Racing participated in the 2013 Goodyear tire test at Martinsville Speedway. (Photo: Martinsville Motor Speedway) |
Less weight on the right side could also allow teams to use softer tires, which drivers hope will result in better racing.
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| Martin Truex Jr. takes his 2013 NASCAR Toyota Camry to Martinsville Speedway. (Photo: Martinsville Motor Speedway) |
