By Sarah Handy, Staff Writer
NASCAR Cup Series driver Joey Logano will join fellow competitor Austin Dillon as the second Cup Series driver to test the Next Gen car when he tests at ISM Raceway outside of Phoenix today and Tuesday.
The Next Gen car is set to debut in 2021 and follows up a test session that took place from October 8-9 at Richmond Raceway with Austin Dillon behind the wheel.
Logano who drives the No. 22 Ford Mustang for Team Penske will drive the same car that Dillon drove in October, a car prepared by Richard Childress Racing.
Dillon shared a video on his Instagram account during the test in October saying in part, “This test has been a blast so far It’s fun talking about different types of adjustments. The car stops on a dime. Lots to look forward to in the future.”
While in Nashville for Champions Week for the Cup Series last week, Logano gave his thoughts on his upcoming test at ISM Raceway.
“I think a lot of it is just understanding, for one, just some durability stuff but also just understanding what works and what doesn’t,” said Logano. “I’d like to, once we get to some point, I’d like to make some longer runs just to kind of see where things go, but I think there’s just so many differences with the car that we need to understand.”
“With only having one car out there, it’s hard to say one aero package over another besides just an aero balance, so I’m looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to getting back in a race car. It’s been a few weeks, so I like doing that, and just curious more than anything of just how this thing’s going to drive,” said Logano.
NASCAR President Steve Phelps previously stated in his 2019 “State of the Sport” address that the Next Gen car is on target for its 2021 debut during Daytona Speedweeks. In addition, Phelps said that an electrification or energy-recovery system will be a component of its development as well.
The next test for the car is scheduled for January at Homestead-Miami Speedway and it will mark the first time the car is tested on a 1.5-mile track.