January Preseason Thunder Testing Dates At DIS Announced

Testing dates for the historic 50th running of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 17, 2008 at Daytona International Speedway have been finalized.

The first wave of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series teams will test in preparation for "The Great American Race" on Jan. 7-9 with Jan. 10 serving as a rain date. The second wave of NEXTEL Cup Series testing will be Jan. 14-16 with Jan. 17 serving as a rain date.

The NEXTEL Cup Series teams will be split into two groups based on the owner's points following the NEXTEL Cup race weekend at Chicagoland Speedway. Among the drivers expected to be in the first wave of teams (odd-numbered teams in the owner's standings) will be three-time Daytona 500 champion Jeff Gordon, 2006 Daytona 500 champion Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth, Carl Edwards, Clint Bowyer and Kurt Busch.

Among the expected drivers in the second wave (even-numbered teams in the owner's standings) are 2007 Daytona 500 champion Kevin Harvick, Denny Hamlin, Jeff Burton, Tony Stewart, Martin Truex Jr. and Jamie McMurray.

Testing dates for 2004 Daytona 500 winner Dale Earnhardt Jr., who will join Hendrick Motorsports for the 2008 season, will be announced at a later date.

Other testing dates for Preseason Thunder include:

• Jan. 4-6, Rolex Sports Car Series presented by Crown Royal Special Reserve in preparation for the 46th anniversary of the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 26-27, all teams.
• Jan. 11-13, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in preparation for the Feb. 15 Chevy Silverado 250, all trucks
• Jan. 18-22, NASCAR Busch Series in preparation for the Feb. 16 Camping World 300 presented by Chevrolet, two different sessions

NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fest dates, which will coincide with January's NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, NASCAR Busch Series and Rolex Series testing sessions at the "World Center of Racing," will be held on the following dates:

• Jan. 5: The Roar Before The Rolex 24
• Jan. 8: NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Fan Fest
• Jan. 12: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Fan Fest
• Jan. 15: NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Fan Fest
• Jan. 19: NASCAR Busch Series Fan Fest

The Fan Fest events start at 5 p.m. but fans may enter the SPRINT FANZONE beginning at 9 a.m. to watch all of the exciting testing action on those days. Admissions for the NEXTEL Cup Fan Fest dates are $15 while Busch and Craftsman Truck Series admissions are $10. The Roar Before The Rolex 24 admission is also $10.

Fans will be able to get a sneak peek on teams as they prepare for DIRECTV Speedweeks 2008 with inquisitive fan forums with many of their favorite drivers as well as enjoying all the state-of-the-art amenities in the popular SPRINT FANZONE.

Also included in NASCAR Preseason Thunder Fan Fests will be bands, show cars, pit stop demonstrations, displays, a silent auction and hot laps around DIS (additional charge).

Fans can continue to watch all of the January testing sessions free from the Oldfield Grandstands located just outside of The Daytona 500 Experience.

Tickets for Preseason Thunder Fan Fests are available online at http://www.racetickets.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.