“I think Vegas will be completely different this year than last year with the new package and I really look forward to racing that car there. We all talked a good bit with Jimmie (Johnson) from their test -- I think they learned a lot and they were really fast. When it comes to the race, I hope we see tire wear like we saw at Atlanta. I doubt we see quite as much, but I think we will definitely see some."
Kasey Kahne
“I thought Jimmie had a really good test, which I think was encouraging. He was really fast compared to some of the guys that were there. I think that’s good news. He always has really good feedback and I think it’s good to just kind of go and listen to his communication and how they go about their weekend. You can’t do that in other sports, to go and be able to watch that closely with one of your competitors -- although he’s a teammate, you’ve still got to compete against him. I tried to learn as much as I could and I’m excited to get out there.”
Chase Elliott
“The bottom line from the test is we were just fast – really, really fast. When we took downforce off the car, they've lowered the gear ratio, a lot of things to kind of slow the cars down and we're every bit as fast if not faster than (with) the combination they had last year. Obviously when we come back for the race, the sun will be out and hopefully we'll get the fall-off we’re looking for. The track will lose some grip and be slick. It’s a partner race for us, so obviously we want to take home the cool Kobalt wrench trophy Lowe’s creates and there is a lot of pride that comes along with that. The pressure is high for this race. We want to do well for all the people in Vegas supporting the No. 48 team.”
Jimmie Johnson
“We’re going to Vegas. Jimmie tested there and he liked what he saw, so I’m excited to get out there and practice. We practice Thursday … so we’ll get some laps and see if we can’t dial the car in. Vegas is going to be a lot of fun – a lot of bumps going down into Turn 1. You’ll definitely try to run the high side at some point in the race in Turns 1 and 2. I don’t know if the top will work in (Turns) 3 and 4 – sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn’t – but we’ll definitely be trying everything we can, running every groove, wherever that car wants to run and be comfortable. Hopefully we have as good a car, as fast a car and as good a day (as we did at Atlanta), and try to put it in Victory Lane. I’ve never won there and I’d love to get that victory at Vegas on my résumé.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr.