TRB wraps two days of testing

BROOKLYN, MI- The Red Bull crew wrapped two days of testing en route to the Michigan International Speedway for this weekend’s Cup and truck race. Wednesday the 83 and 84 teams boarding the team plane at a bright and early 5:30 a.m. in Charlotte and heading up to Virginia International Raceway for a day of road-course testing in the COT.

It was a frustrating day for sure, when only on the second run the 84 had the engine blow. It wasn’t until after the lunch break that AJ was able to get back behind the wheel for some track time. Carburetor problems plagued the Camry in the afternoon, so the 84 wasn’t able to maximize their testing time at VIR.

“It was definitely frustrating to have the problems we did,” said Allmendinger. “I know my guys were just as frustrated as me, but to look at the positive, at least every lap I got on the road-coarse was one more lap of help.”

The team then jumped back on the plane that evening and headed to Milwaukee. Thursday was devoted to testing at the Milwaukee Mile in preparation for Loudon in a couple of weeks. That day’s runs went much better, without mechanical issues, and instead they focused on just chasing speed.

“We ran alright but not great,” commented AJ. “We just need speed. Brian (Vickers) and I were close, but just not there. We did learn some things still that will help us out of the box in New Hampshire.”

The 84 ran a total of 122 laps with the fastest lap clocking in at a 31.32. Both crews then packed up, hit the plane again and landed in Michigan for the Citizens Bank 400 on Sunday. AJ will also return to the No. 00 Toyota Tundra truck for Saturday’s race.