NASCAR cuts pre-season test costs.

On the same day that NASCAR announced one cost saving measure in the abolishment of Saturday practice, the series also confirmed that the two main pre-season 'tests in the west' will take place in the same week.

In another cost-saving measure the big preseason tests at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and California Speedway will now take place back-to-back, meaning teams will be able to conduct both two day tests in just one expensive cross country trip.

The Nextel Cup teams will be permitted to test a maximum of two days at each track. Las Vegas Motor Speedway will be available to teams from January 31st through to February 2nd while the California Speedway will be available between February 1st and the 3rd.

"This benefit to the teams would not have been possible without the cooperation and willingness of both Las Vegas Motor Speedway and California Speedway," said Series Director John Darby. "We expect the teams to take full advantage of the opportunity."

The tests at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and California Speedway will serve as the western swing of NASCAR Preseason Thunder, which kicks off the 2005 season with test sessions on January 11th, 12th, 13th, 18th, 19th and 20th at the Daytona International Speedway.