Cup Series test scheduled for Tuesday

NASCAR’s new 750-horsepower rules configuration for the majority of Cup Series tracks is set for its first major rehearsal, with teams tuning up Tuesday for an organizational test session at North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway.

One team from each chartered Cup Series organization is expected to participate in the one-day preseason test. The historic 0.625-mile oval, brought back to life to host the NASCAR All-Star Race the last three years, will hold its first points-paying Cup Series race in 30 years on July 19 (7 p.m. ET, TNT Sports, PRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, HBO Max).

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NASCAR officials announced Oct. 8 that the baseline horsepower output for Cup Series road courses and oval tracks measuring less than 1.5 miles would increase from 670 to 750. Those venues will use the aerodynamic rules configuration that debuted on short tracks in 2024, a package that reduced downforce with three-inch rear spoilers and fewer strakes on the rear diffuser.

Tuesday’s test session is scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. North Wilkesboro’s grandstands will be open to fans from noon-5 p.m. with free admission, and tickets for the Cup Series’ Window World 450 will go on sale from the track’s box office during that five-hour timeframe — one day before ticket sales open up to the general public.

Teams and drivers scheduled to participate in Tuesday’s test:

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