GREENVILLE, S.C. — Red Bull Racing Team development driver Cole Whitt tested at Greenville-Pickens Speedway on Tuesday in preparation for the NASCAR K&N Series East opener March 27.

Whitt, an 18-year-old Californian who's beginning the transition from midgets and sprint cars, drove the No. 84 Red Bull Toyota for 162 laps around the half-mile oval in the upstate of South Carolina.

“Our test went really well, and I’m pretty excited to go back to Greenville to actually race,” Whitt said. “We focused a lot yesterday on race setup and getting our car good for long runs. We have a little bit more work to do at the race shop, but we think it will really pay off on race day.”

Whitt’s only other stock car test took place March 1 at South Boston (Va.) Speedway — the second stop on the K&N East schedule.

 

 

“Cole has far exceeded our expectations each time he’s tested,” said RBRT’s Elton Sawyer. “Both the 2008 and 2009 K&N Pro Series East champions were also at the test, so we had a good baseline for comparison. For the Greenville race, we’ll need to work on getting the car a little bit better for long runs. That race will be all about tire management and being patient.” 

 

NASCAR has announced today the television schedule for its developmental series for 2010. The expanded calendar includes 21 events on SPEED for the NASCAR K&N Pro Series and seven races for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour and NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour. This comprehensive package includes airing of every race on the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West schedules.  SPEED’s coverage will begin with the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East opener at Greenville-Pickens (S.C.) Speedway (race date is March 27; air date is

April 1)