From the April, 2007 issue of Stock Car Insider

Next stop on the Nextel Cup Schedule is Phoenix International Raceway

Next week, NASCAR gears up for the ultimate test for the new Cars of Tomorrow as the teams head to Phoenix International Raceway (PIR) for the Subway Fresh Fit 500. This year’s spring race at Phoenix will mark the first time the new Car of Tomorrow has ever seen the unique one mile, low-banked, sun soaked asphalt track nestled in the desert hills outside of Phoenix.

That’s right! To date, no test sessions have been run with the new COT’s at Phoenix. Unlike previous COT races at Bristol and Martinsville where teams had an official test session before actually racing at the track, drivers and crews enter next weekend blind to how the new COT’s will react to the challenges posed by PIR.

What’s even more discomforting to teams is that Phoenix is truly a unique track. Most tracks on the Nextel Cup circuit have similar tracks where teams can go and perform tests. However, there is no other asphalt track in the US similar enough to Phoenix that will allow teams the chance to practice with their new cars.

Typically at this point I would give you a list of drivers to watch based on historical results. However, given the huge unknowns for next week’s race, I’ll give you my gut feeling. Expect the top teams, Hendrick Motorsports and Roush Racing, to do the best at Phoenix. The COT project for most teams has been overwhelming. But both Roush and Hendrick have more manpower devoted to developing their COTs. More man power in the shops translates to more horsepower on the track come Sunday.

Next Week's Schedule:

Nextel Cup: @ Phoenix International Raceway (all times PST)
04/19/07 - 05:10pm NASCAR Nextel Cup Qualifying - SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500
04/20/07 - 04:50pm NASCAR Nextel Cup Practice - SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500
04/21/07 - 05:30pm NASCAR Nextel Cup SUBWAY Fresh Fit 500

Busch Series: @ Phoenix International Raceway
04/19/07 - 06:45pm NASCAR Busch Series Practice - Bashas' Supermarkets 200
04/20/07 - 02:35pm NASCAR Busch Series Qualifying - Bashas' Supermarkets 200
04/20/07 - 06:30pm NASCAR Busch Series Bashas' Supermarkets 200

Craftsman Truck Series off until April 28th at Kansas Speedway

See complete 2007 NASCAR Schedule