This week, three drivers, each representing a different NASCAR manufacturer, participated in a Goodyear tire test at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS). This year, NHMS holds extra significance as it returns to the NASCAR playoffs for the first time since 2016, with 12 races scheduled at this track.
During the test, Christopher Bell drove the No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing. Meanwhile, Ross Chastain took the wheel of the No. 1 Chevrolet from Trackhouse Racing, and Joey Logano represented Team Penske in the No. 22 Ford, the defending series champion.
Bell, who has won twice at NHMS, expressed excitement about the track’s inclusion in the playoffs. He highlighted that this venue is one of his best, making its playoff return a positive development for him.
Chastain, on the other hand, has faced challenges at NHMS, with his best finish being eighth. He shared that it was valuable for his team to test at this track, especially since he had a significant crash years ago there. He is hopeful that the data gathered will help improve his performance.
Logano has a special connection to NHMS, as it’s where he first won a Cup Series race in 2009 and is the closest track to his hometown in Middletown, Connecticut. He fondly recalls the supportive atmosphere and memorable moments he’s had there, feeling a unique bond with the fans and the venue.
Fan Take: This tire test and NHMS’s return to the playoffs are thrilling for NASCAR enthusiasts, as it brings back a beloved and strategically important track into the championship mix. Watching how top drivers like Bell, Chastain, and Logano perform here could influence the playoff outcomes and add more excitement to the title fight.
