As NASCAR teams prepare for next week’s round two at Daytona International Speedway following Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s memorable 2014 Daytona 500 victory, plans for 2015’s season launch are already underway.

NASCAR and Daytona International Speedway today announced that Preseason Thunder will take place one week later in 2015. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams will hit the track on January 15-16 as they prepare for the 57th running of the Daytona 500 on February 22, 2015. If there is rain, more track time is available on Saturday, January 17.

This year’s Daytona testing was Jan. 9-10, but rain washed out the planned first day of testing – forcing all on-track activity to Jan. 10. 

“Each year, Preseason Thunder gives fans a sneak peek into the upcoming season, and specifically, NASCAR’s crown jewel, the Daytona 500,” said Robin Pemberton, vice president of competition and racing development. “In 2015, the date will change. The anticipation, and the thrill of cars returning to the race track, will not.”

“A later starting date for January testing will be more convenient for both teams and fans,” Chitwood said. “Both testing sessions are important opportunities for teams as they prepare for their season-opening events … It’s also an exciting time for fans as they get gear up for the start of the new season.”

The new date will be part of an action packed January for Daytona International Speedway. The IMSA Roar Before The Rolex 24 will be held on January 9-11. IMSA teams will have only one weekend off between the Roar and the prestigious Rolex 24 in 2015.

The Preseason Thunder Fan Fest, the companion event to NASCAR Sprint Cup Series testing, is on Thursday night, Jan. 15. Tickets for Preseason Thunder Fan Fest as well as a schedule of driver question-and-answer and autograph sessions will be available at a later date.