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Despite the increase in lap times, many drivers feel it will be business as usual at Darlington, which has built a reputation as a challenging and unique track that is hard on tires, equipment and emotions.
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"Darlington has always been my favorite track because you are always adjusting," Ryan Newman said. "You adjust to the tires, the bumps, the character of the track, and the fact that you are running right next to the wall is challenging. It's the most challenging track that we have, and that is why I enjoy it the most."
Two-time Darlington winner Jimmie Johnson doesn't think this weekend's race will be like previous trips to Darlington, but is hopeful it will return to its old self over time.
"I have to admit, I'm going to miss the old track; it was just such a challenge," Johnson said. "And over time, I'm sure it will evolve back to what it was. It's nice that the shape is still the same."
That egg shape Johnson refers to is one of the things that make Darlington so unique, with its oblong layout and completely different corners.
Now throw the new pavement and increased speeds into the equation and Saturday's race becomes one of the bigger unknowns of the season.
"Anytime we go to a repave, we're all holding our breath, because anything can happen," said two-time Darlington winner Greg Biffle, who took part in the Goodyear tire test at the track back in March. "Jeff Gordon, myself and Ryan Newman worked really hard with the race cars to make sure that tire was going to be the right tire, or felt like it was going to hold up."
"But so many things can play a role down there: how hot it's going to be, if we get any rain, how much track time we get, how much rubber builds up on the racetrack. All of those things are going to play a factor in the outcome of the first time going to Darlington with the repave this year. So, it's a big unknown."
Some drivers think they do know what will happen Saturday night and unfortunately it would mean a lot of extra work for teams' body shop men.
"I expect a lot of crashes on Saturday night," Michael Waltrip said.
"Now everyone is going to have a Superman complex. There will be a lot of grip out there, so the drivers will be more aggressive. Unfortunately, there is no room to be aggressive. That generally leads to people running over one another. It should be crazy."
Actually, that sounds like a typical Sprint Cup race at Darlington Raceway.
