Photo Credit: Hendrick Motorsports
Earlier this week Kasey Kahne and his No.5 Chevrolet team were selected to participate in a two-day Goodyear tire test at newly repaved Watkins Glen International.
Kahne has had many difficult races at the glen throughout his racing career, however since he joined Hendrick Motorsports in 2012, the driver has logged his best to finishes at the track based in upstate New York – 12th and 13th.
“It’s been a good couple of days for myself to be here and try to figure this place out a little bit better,” Kahne said. “It’s always kind of a tough track for me. The last couple years we’ve been around an eighth- to 12th-place car, much better than what it used to be but we’ve still got some work to do.”
When testing began on Tuesday, Kahne tried four to five different compounds. On Wednesday they were narrowed down to three, with the team doing 20-Laps or so on each different compound. Kahne really enjoyed running the laps on the fresh repaved track.
“The track is great,” Kahne added. “I was making my first laps yesterday, a little unsure of how the changes would be and what the feel would be, but to me, it’s really similar to what we’ve had, just a bit smoother and a nice pave job.”
Along with the repaving of the track’s surface it also underwent new curbing, which might have an impact on the racing according to Kahne.
“Some of the curbing is the same and some is new and a little more aggressive than what it’s been in the past, in my opinion,” he said. “I feel like the track is good and the more that it rubbers in, the more grip is out there.”
Kahne also stated on tracks that have had been recently repaved, there are worries about the quality of racing and the type of tire Goodyear would bring to the track for the race weekend.
“If the speeds are real high and the tire stays, gets quicker as the track rubbers which will be throughout the whole weekend, it’s going to be very tough to pass,” Kahne said. “Now if the tire has some falloff and you start getting looser or tighter or the balance of your car changes throughout a race run, then you’ll see passing.”
Kahne states he has learned quite a bit of information that he will be able to pass on to his teammates so that they can get ready for the August 7 race at Watkins Glen.
“I think for myself and my teammates at Hendrick Motorsports, it’s the difference of the track,” he said. “The braking and the gear ratios are two things that we can definitely understand better instead of just coming here and not knowing. And then just the new curbing, where it’s at and it being a little more aggressive, I can fill the guys in on that. They can watch videos of things we’re doing up here and be a little more prepared when we come here for the race.”
