The 2021 NASCAR season is still some time away, but the sport is continuing to build up to 2022. This is largely because the Next Gen car is set to make its debut that year. However, NASCAR has to get some running in and ensure that everything is smooth.

In light of that, the sport is set to conduct two tests in the coming weekend at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. It is also worth noting that Kurt Busch and Martin Truex Jr have the honor of testing the cars first.

Just to cover all the bases, the first test will take place on the road course, while the second test will be held on the oval. Of course, the tests will be spaced out, as the officials need some time to change the track configuration for the second test.

This isn’t the first time NASCAR has conducted Next Gen tests to prepare for the coming seasons. In fact, this is the sixth and seventh shakedown as the sport looks ahead to the future.

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When did NASCAR conduct its previous Next Gen tests?

The last time the Next Gen car hit the tarmac, Cole Custer took the P3 prototype on a two-day session at Dover in August. Apparently, the Richard Childress Racing team and NASCAR’s R&D department built the chassis prototype. Once it was complete, Custer took it for a spin.

The primary objective of the Dover test was to gauge its durability and adjustability. In addition to that, the model could also rack up some precious mileage, though NASCAR fielded a single prototype, like in previous tests.

Apparently, Monday’s test will bear witness to the 2022 car’s NASCAR-sanctioned road course debut. However, the IMSA team Action Express Racing also fielded a Next Gen car back in August at the Daytona International Speedway road course.