LAS VEGAS – Johnny Benson’s new Valvoline colors were flying during Thursday’s test session at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Benson turned a lap in 31.14 seconds (173.376 miles per hour) to establish the best testing time by any of the 25 NASCAR Winston Cup teams who have tested at LVMS this week in preparation for the March 4 UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400. Benson’s time, though unofficial, eclipsed Ricky Rudd’s track record by a stock car of 31.293 seconds set a year ago.
“I’m not surprised that we were quick, but I’m surprised that we were that quick,” Benson said. “That time came in the morning session and the weather was perfect. I’m not sure we could run that at 2 or 3 in the afternoon when we’ll be qualifying. Obviously, we’re pretty happy with that time.”
Mike Wallace was the only other driver to test a Winston Cup car Thursday. He posted a time of 31.93 seconds (169.114 mph).
Todd Bodine, who was testing for Buckshot Jones, put up the best testing time of the 10 NASCAR Busch Series teams who were testing in preparation for the Sam’s Town 300 on March 3.
Bodine’s lap in 31.95 seconds (169.002 mph) was the fastest time among all Busch cars that tested this week at LVMS. Mike Dillon (32.12 seconds) and Bobby Hamilton Jr. (32.17) were not far behind Bodine.
There were no incidents on Thursday. The five-day test ends Friday as six NASCAR Busch teams complete their second day of testing. There will be no Winston Cup testing on Friday.
Here is a complete list of Thursday’s testing times for NASCAR Busch Series drivers: Todd Bodine (168.514 mph), Mike Dillon (168.097), Bobby Hamilton Jr. (167.896), Elton Sawyer (167.254), Michael Waltrip (165.806), Jay Sauter (164.634), Jimmie Johnson (164.197), Rich Bickle (162.901), Ashton Lewis Jr. (162.398) and Christian Elder (161.444).
