CONCORD, N.C. – Garrett Smithley knows Saturday’s first race on the new road course-oval combination at Charlotte Motor Speedway will be a big challenge.
But, as Smithley points out, it will be the same challenge for everyone in the Drive for the Cure 200 field.
“Nobody really knows what’s going to happen,” Smithley said. “That’s what’s crazy about this weekend. The track is brand new. There are no secrets. No one knows much about the right setup. It’s going to be a big test.”
The track has 17 turns and is 2.28 miles in length. The race is 55 laps, or 125 miles. Because of the combination of high speeds on the oval portion of the track and tight passing conditions around the infield road course, some level of mayhem is expected.
Smithley will drive the No. 0 Chevrolet for JD Motorsports with Gary Keller.
Practice, which will be particularly important this week, is scheduled at 1:05 and 3:05 p.m. Friday. Qualifying is set for 12:10 p.m. Saturday, with the race to follow at 3 p.m.