Earnhardt capitalizes on Goodyear Tire testing at Charlotte
CONCORD, N.C. -- For the 2015 season, NASCAR has placed a ban on team-initiated private testing.
But this week brought Goodyear Tire testing at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. was one of four drivers invited to take some practice laps.
The No. 88 team participates in @GoodyearRacing tire testing at @CLTMotorSpdwy. pic.twitter.com/k96MbfcZVx
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) December 9, 2014
"We’re definitely going to take advantage of every little bit of track time we can get because the testing rules are a little tighter this year,” Earnhardt said, via Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Over @CLTMotorSpdwy testing tires for @GoodyearRacing with @Ives_Greg and the 88 gang. Feels damn good to be at a racetrack. #whereibelong
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) December 9, 2014
Earnhardt was happy to take part in the testing, not only because it came at a track where he has yet to earn a points-paying win, but because he got a chance to work with new No. 88 crew chief Greg Ives.
“It’s good for me and Greg to get to work together – to get a little rapport going – so when we take off and go to Atlanta, Vegas and Phoenix, we’re communicating really well," he said.
Tested 2015 rules. Felt fine. Real similar to 2014 actually. New CC @Ives_Greg and the guys are working well together already.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) December 11, 2014
Ives and Earnhardt were able to work on the 2015 racing package, and the driver said the extra time on the track was a benefit.
“When I go back to the track for the first time after a long layoff, I feel like I have a little rust to kick off," he said. "It’s good to get out and exercise your legs a little bit.”
Great couple days @ the track testing with the 88 gang. Learned a bit and knocked some rust off. Pretty fortunate to get them December laps.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) December 11, 2014