The 2008 edition of NASCAR Preseason Thunder Las Vegas will mark the first time NASCAR will conduct an open test on a 1.5-mile track for its "Car of Tomorrow."

The "COT" will be used in all NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races beginning in 2008. It was used on tracks less than 1.5 miles in length, with the exception of the fall Talladega event, in 2007. The UAW-Dodge 400 on March 2 will be the first race for the new car on a 1.5-mile speedway.

NASCAR's Nationwide (formerly Busch) Series teams will test Jan. 30-31 on the high-banked, 1.5-mile oval.

"We're looking forward to having the world's best drivers out here in January to test this new car on a relatively new speedway," said LVMS general manager Chris Powell. "The track has really settled in since we increased the banking from 12 to 20 degrees prior to the 2007 NASCAR Weekend. More laps and more testing should help make the 2008 event one of the most exciting races we've ever had."

Tickets for the Feb. 29-March 2 NASCAR Weekend are on sale by calling 1-800-644-4444 or logging on to www.lvms.com. Race fans also can purchase tickets to the new Neon Garage as well as Driver Introduction passes and Lucky 7 preferred parking passes.