Kasey Kahne takes one for the team at Talladega

While his three Hendrick Motorsports teammates could relax and strategize for the next stop in NASCAR's Chase for the Cup, Kasey Kahne got no such break.

He was among a handful of drivers selected to test the 2013 car at Talladega Superspeedway on Wednesday.

Kahne, sixth among the dozen Chase drivers and 32 points behind leader Brad Keselowski, was at the 2.66-mile tri-oval most of the day. Talladega also is the site for the next Chase race.

Meanwhile, Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon could do -- well -- anything other than be at the track or in a car.

No word if they'll reward Kahne during Sunday's race with a little drafting help at the track that is sure to squash some drivers' championship hopes.

NASCAR is fielding cars next year that are supposed to look more like the Fords, Chevrolets and Toyotas the average consumer would see on a dealership floor.

"I think the cars are unique because they look different," Kahne said after the session. "They have a fresh look, and it resembles the manufacturer's car, which is great for the fans, who ought to be able to go out and buy a similar car."