Day One Of Charlotte Test Paying Dividends For South Point Racing

Thursday’s open test session for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Lowes Motor Speedway gave Brendan Gaughan and the South Point Racing team the opportunity to test two drastically different trucks in preparation for next week’s Quaker Steak & Lube 200.

And the daylong test session has proved to be extremely beneficial according to Gaughan.

“Testing for the South Point Racing team has always been a crucial thing,” Gaughan said. “Maybe its me the driver that needs it. Whatever. It really does pay off.”

The South Point team tested a coil bind setup in one Chevrolet Silverado and a conventional setup in the second truck. The team used the test to help Gaughan determine which setup would be best at Charlotte and at other mile and a half tracks coming up on the schedule.

“Our performance today shows exactly why you test,” Gaughan said. “The coil bind set up was horrible today and this afternoon. Our engineer John McQueen worked on it all day and Bryan (Berry) and John kind of got it going.

“The conventional setup was great all day it was a tenth quicker in the afternoon. Then when it got dark, we focused on that coil bind Chevrolet and it was a rocket ship. It ran with (Mike) Skinner. It ran with Travis Kvapil. We were as good as anybody out there. All of a sudden the setup I hated at Kansas, the setup I hated all morning – all of a sudden it was a rocket ship.

“Then at night, the standard setup went to junk. It was a complete role reversal between Chevrolets, so I'm really glad we are here testing. I learned a ton.”

Not only did Gaughan test trucks, but he also had the chance to try out a new head and neck restraint device that he plans on using once it is approved in July.

“I got to use my new R-3 Hybrid device for the first time – head and neck restraint device,” Gaughan said. “I like it. We have to do some modifications to the seat and stuff to make it work, but in July when it becomes legal, we are switching to it. I’m happy to have another choice and I like this choice better.”

The South Point Racing team will test again tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Lowe's Motor Speedway.