The new Chevrolet Camaro NASCAR has turned its first laps in a tyre test at Texas Motor Speedway.

Hendrick Motorsports’ Chase Elliott drove the Camaro ZL1 on the high banks but has not yet got a feel for how it compares to the Chevrolet SS body which it replaces.

“Behind the wheel it’s really hard to tell what changes are when you are out there by yourself,” said Elliott.

“I think the changes will probably become more apparent, hopefully, when we get to say Atlanta or get to some of the tracks that the changes are going to become important at.

“I think until we get into those situations and kind of get some races under our belt as not only an organisation, but as a manufacturer as a whole to see exactly how we stack up, I think it will be tough to say until then.”

The Chevrolet SS, a badge-engineered version of Holden’s last Australian-built Commodore, served as General Motors’ Cup Series car for five seasons, winning three championships and 73 races.

The Goodyear test also marks the start of Elliott’s time running in car #9 in the Cup Series.

The 22-year-old won the 2014 Xfinity Series with #9, 26 years after father Bill won the 1988 Cup Series with the same number, and switches from #24 this year.

Testing wraps up on Wednesday (local time), when Elliott will again be joined by 2017 champion Martin Truex Jr. (Furniture Row Racing Toyota), Ryan Blaney (Team Penske Ford), and Aric Almirola (Stewart-Haas Racing Ford).

.@chaseelliott takes out the new ZL1 Camaro for its on track debut. It’s officially time to #Di9 pic.twitter.com/KXKCOQIS4J

— Texas Motor Speedway (@TXMotorSpeedway) January 9, 2018

For more of the latest NASCAR news and analysis, visit Speedcafe US