Notes from January Daytona Testing

Jason Leffler and the #11 FedEx Chevrolet Monte Carlo participated in three days of testing last week at Daytona International Speedway as they continued preparations for the start of the 2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup season. The #11 FedEx Chevy, with Leffler behind the wheel, will make its on-track debut in the season-opening Daytona 500, Feb. 20.

"The car we plan to run in the Daytona 500 is the same car that my teammate Tony Stewart used to finish second in last year's race," said Leffler, after testing was completed. "We know it's a really good car, and this test was a chance for us to learn more about the car as we get ready for the race. I think what we learned is that our car is good in 'drafting' with other cars–and it handles really well in traffic."

The test also provided Leffler and his Joe Gibbs crew with some time to work together at the racetrack. "Having all the guys work together as a team during the three days of the test was a big help," added Leffler. "We're a new team, and the more time we work together–the better off we'll be, and our learning 'curve' will be quicker."

What are the next steps for Leffler and the #11 FedEx team? "We'll go back to the shop and work on our qualifying setup, and we'll work with the Joe Gibbs Racing motor shop on a new combination for when we come back in February for the race," explained Leffler.

During the three days of NASCAR Nextel Cup testing at Daytona, Leffler and the #11 FedEx team ran a little more than 200 laps, with Leffler splitting time between two race cars. During Thursday afternoon's 'drafting' practice session with other cars, Leffler recorded a best time of 48.643 seconds (185.021 MPH) at the 2.5–mile Florida oval. Mike Bliss recorded the fastest time (48.139 seconds/186.959 MPH) in 'drafting practice.'