Several Teams Test at Chicagoland Speedway

Multiple teams descended on Chicagoland Speedway for the first of a two-day test on Monday at the 1.5-mile oval that opens the Chase in just a couple short weeks. According to a report from MRN, Stewart-Haas Racing, Roush Fenway Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing, Richard Petty Motorsports and Chip Ganassi Racing were all represented. SHR said the No. 14 team and Stewart were not present for the test.

Penske Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing have opted to save their four test sessions allowed by NASCAR for a little later in the season. Both organizations, along with JTG Daugherty will test at Charlotte Motor Speedway next week. Meanwhile, Hendrick Motorsports is scheduled to test at Martinsville Speedway Tuesday and Wednesday.

Early in the afternoon, a strong thunderstorm rolled into the area, temporarily putting the test on hold.

Pretty wild looking clouds over the grandstands here in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/rNhytRVlBj

— Clint Bowyer (@ClintBowyer) August 25, 2014

Kevin Harvick captured a spectacular lightning picture from the safety of the garage area and posted multiple videos of a power outage, very heavy rain and thunder.

It's big here!!!! http://t.co/LRI1NqCPmM

— Kevin Harvick (@KevinHarvick) August 25, 2014

Once the rains stopped, the garage area had several inches of water present.

https://twitter.com/DanicaPatrick/status/503989577892507648/photo/1

Teams were able to get back on track later in the afternoon before another rain storm ended the afternoon, and Clint Bowyer’s No. 15 team had a rough afternoon.

Boy this has been a productive day! On track for 2hrs…blew up! Then it rained…on track for bout 30 min…then it rained. #goinbacktobed

— Clint Bowyer (@ClintBowyer) August 25, 2014

Assuming the weather cooperates, everyone will head back to the track for a second day on Tuesday. The current forecast calls for morning scattered thunderstorms and a cloudy afternoon.

According to MRN, the following test dates have been confirmed:

Aug. 25-26 Chicagoland Speedway
Stewart-Haas Racing
Roush Fenway Racing
Michael Waltrip Racing
Richard Petty Motorsports
Chip Ganassi Racing

Aug. 25-26 Kansas Speedway
Leavine Family Racing

Aug. 26-27 Martinsville Speedway
Hendrick Motorsports

Sept. 2-3 New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Stewart-Haas Racing
Leavine Family Racing
Front Row Motorsports

Sept. 2-3 Charlotte Motor Speedway
Team Penske
JTG Daugherty
Joe Gibbs Racing

Sept. 22-23 Texas Motor Speedway
Team Penske
Roush Fenway Racing

Oct. 7-8 Martinsville Speedway
Chip Ganassi Racing

Oct. 13-14 Martinsville Speedway
Team Penske
Germain Racing