Petty Enterprises' Car of Tomorrow test notes

Petty Enterprises Tests Car of Tomorrow
Research and Development Team Takes Lead Role into Future

LEVEL CROSS, N.C. - Petty Enterprises continued its support of NASCAR's Car of Tomorrow initiative after testing their own version of the car this past week. Petty Enterprises' Research and Development team tested its prototype with driver Kyle Petty at the 2.5-mile Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway Thursday. It was PE's third on-track test with the new car. Jeff Troxler, Research and Development, is spearheading this project at Petty Enterprises.

"Our version of the Car of Tomorrow has been very good from test to test," said Troxler. "We have seen some good things and bad things, but this is going to work. NASCAR has been fully supportive in our efforts with our own Car of Tomorrow. This past week was one of our best tests with the car yet. It's a very stable car and it gives the drivers the ability to race. With the data that we have compiled, coupled with NASCAR's data, we feel positive about the future of this car."

The Car of Tomorrow, in its final stages, is a project introduced by NASCAR to produce competitive racing, improve safety and decrease cost. Petty Enterprises has been the only team to have tested their prototype at all NASCAR Car of Tomorrow test sessions.

"We believe this is going to happen and we want to be ahead of the curve," explained Greg Steadman, Director of Competition at Petty Enterprises. "We want to get a jump on the competition. We've lead the development for the Car of Tomorrow from the team side and NASCAR has helped us with data they have collected. Daytona was just another opportunity for us to prepare for the future of NASCAR Nextel Cup racing."

Petty, driver of the #45 Dodge, has been behind the wheel of the Car of Tomorrow more than any other Nextel Cup competitor. Petty has tested the Petty Enterprises prototype at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway and Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. Petty echoed Steadman's purpose for Petty Enterprises looking ahead.

"This project, especially for us, proves our commitment towards the future of Petty Enterprises. We have been on board with the Car of Tomorrow and with NASCAR's efforts since the beginning. This is a performance and safety project that will be the future of our sport. We want to be fully prepared from a competitive side to not only win races today, but in the future as well."

-pe-