California Practice Notes: Hamlin Strong Again, Fastest in Both Saturday Sessions

By Micah Roberts

Hamlin is sick-quick at Fontana (Getty)

Saturday’s final Auto Club 400 practice session was a complete weather change from the day’s earlier session, but the same driver dominated the speed charts. Denny Hamlin, with a lap of 182.034 mph, was fastest once again.

Hamlin’s speed was 4 mph slower than when he had the top speed in the first session, the differences due to the sun shining from behind the clouds. But it’s clear that no matter what kind of weather presents itself on race day -- either Sunday or Monday -- Hamlin’s crew will be prepared better than most.

The only thing standing in Hamlin’s way will be his past history on the track which has seen him finish at a 19.2 average with his only top-5 coming in 2008.

Coming in with the second fastest lap was Vallejo native Jeff Gordon at 181.132 mph. The three-time California winner had appeared to struggle with the clouds out in the previous session, but the team was able show fast consistent laps under the sunlight.

Clint Bowyer has the fourth fastest speed (181.132) with Jamie McMurray (181.132) and Kyle Busch (181.050) not far behind.

It’s no surprise to see El Cajon native Jimmie Johnson high on the charts with the sixth fastest lap since he’s the track’s all-time leader in just about everything. Not only did the five-time winner get his first career Cup win at California, but he also has finished third or better in eight of his last nine starts.

Another California kid, Kevin Harvick, continued his recent mastery of a track that initially gave him troubles. Harvick, who won this race last year and was runner-up the year prior, finished with the seventh fastest lap.

Matt Kenseth was eight fastest followed by Martin Truex Jr and Tony Stewart. Mark Martin had the 11th fastest lap and tied Jimmie Johnson with the most laps run during the session (47).

Kasey Kahne had the 14th fastest lap, but paced the day with the fastest average speeds, even though he ran 9 less laps than Hamlin who was second best.

Hamlin was also fastest in 10-consecutive average lap speeds followed by Kenseth, Busch, McMurray and Johnson.

Should be an interesting race whatever day the green flag eventually drops.

Top-5 Practice 3 Speeds:
1) Denny Hamlin 182.034 mph (35 laps for 176.923 average)
2) Jeff Gordon 181.360 (31 laps for 176.689 average)
3) Clint Bowyer 181.214 (37 laps for 176.805 average)
4) Jamie McMurray 181.132 (34 laps for 176.114 average)
5) Kyle Busch 181.050 (34 laps for 176.357 average)

Practice 3 Speeds - 10 lap Averages


Hamlin Dominates Second Practice Session

Hamlin has 19.2 average finish at Cali in 11 starts (Getty)

One day after capturing the pole for Sunday’s Auto Club 400 at California Speedway, Denny Hamlin laid down the fastest lap (186.018 mph) in race trim during Saturday’s first practice session. The speed was almost a full mph faster than Clint Bowyer had in Friday’s practice while in qualifying trim and fell just short of matching Hamlin’s top qualifying speed.

The reason for such fast speeds was because temperatures were in the high 50’s on an overcast foggy day. Some precipitation is expected today putting the final practice in jeopardy. Sunday’s race is also in jeopardy because there is an 80% chance of rain from noon to 9pm (PDT).

With the chance of rain being imminent, teams had to cram everything they could into this session because of the possibility that no final practice will be held.

Matt Kenseth, using a chassis the finished fourth at Texas last fall, ran the second fastest lap (185.209) and looks in great shape to possibly capture his fourth Fontana win.

The Stewart-Haas duo of Ryan Newman (184.928) and Tony Stewart (184.554) finished third and fourth fastest respectively with Kevin Harvick coming in with the fifth fastest speed (184.270 mph).

Most of the top speeds on the day were obtained at the beginning of the one-hour session with the coolest temperatures. Of the best 10 consecutive average laps run, the top-7 speeds all did so from lap 1-10 with Hamlin leading the way in that category as well, followed by Newman, Stewart, Clint Bowyer and Carl Edwards.

For Edwards, his strong day has to be a sigh of relief after struggling the last three weeks in practice. Along with the good average speeds, Edwards also had the eighth fastest single lap (183.636) using a car that finished second at Phoenix last fall.

Most of the cars that were supposed to be fast, were fast. However, with the chance that this race could run Monday (rain expected too) or Tuesday, the data obtained today won't rate in like-instances just because it won't be as cool.

Top-5 Practice 2 Speeds:
1) Denny Hamlin 186.018
2) Matt Kenseth 185.209
3) Ryan Newman 184.928
4) Tony Stewart 184.554
5) Kevin Havick 184.270

Note: Brad Keselowski radioed to his team after practice that his car is the best it's ever been at Fontana. In his three starts, he's finished 21st, 26th and 26th. However, he did have the seventh fastest single lap and also made the same claim last week before winning at Bristol.


Practice 2 Speeds - 10 Lap Averages



MWR's Bowyer and Martin Fastest in First Practice Session

Bowyer fastest in first practice (Getty)

Clint Bowyer jumped out early with the fastest lap of the first Auto Club 400 practice session at California Speedway in his first attempt. The lap of 185.109 mph was enough to hold on to the top speed despite another 85 minutes of practice from all the other drivers. 19 of the 46 drivers attempting to qualify this weekend followed suit with their fastest lap of the day coming in their first attempt.

The strategy for most teams was to get out early in qualifying trim before the track heated up in hopes of getting the top speed which designates when drivers will qualify today. The better their practice, the later they get to qualify and take advantage of a cooler surface in the late afternoon.

Michael Waltrip Racing’s fast cars weren’t limited to just Bowyer. Fresh off having all three of their cars finish in the top-5 at Bristol last week, they had the top two speeds in practice with Mark Martin laying down the second fastest lap of 184.322 mph at almost the same juncture Bowyer had his fastest lap. Martin Truex Jr finished with the 18th fastest lap.

Kasey Kahne was the lone exception among drivers in the top-6 who captured their fastest lap right out of the gate. Kahne had the third fastest speed (183.946), but did it on the last of his 16 laps run on the day. Following Kahne was Brad Kieslowski (183.290), Denny Hamlin (183.187) and Jeff Burton (183.169).

No driver ran 10 consecutive laps or more during the session as they will look to maximize their race set-ups in Saturday’s final two sessions. Friday’s qualifying is set to begin at 4:10 pm (PDT).

Top-5 Practice 1 Speeds:
1) Clint Bowyer 185.109
2) Mark Martin 184.322
3) Kasey Kahne 183.946
4) Brad Keselowski 183.290
5) Denny Hamlin 183.187

Practice 1 Speeds


Starting Lineup

Bristol Practice Notes: Kyle Busch, Kahne and Keselowski Shine in Final Sessions

Kyle Busch is the driver to beat Sunday

Ryan Newman led the way with the fastest lap and best 10 consecutive lap average during Saturday’s final practice session at Bristol in preparation for Sunday’s for Food City 500, but a few other drivers shined a little brighter on the day.

Five-time Bristol winner Kyle Busch was second fastest with a lap of 121.836 mph giving Busch the second fastest single lap in each of Saturday's two sessions. Brad Keselowski won last fall at Bristol and looks primed to make it two in a row based on his laps. He had the third fastest lap (121.682 mph) and had very impressive average speeds.

Kasey Kahne ran the fifth fastest single lap (121.682 mph), but had the top average speed among all driver who ran at least 60 laps. Kahne might be Kyle’s biggest challenger on Sunday based on his effort from both of Saturday’s practices. This is the third straight week that Kahne has looked to be the best in practice.

Most of the drivers used the final session to maximize their speeds on long runs which make the average speeds very important, more so than the 10 consecutive lap average because a tank of fuel covers more laps at Bristol than most tracks. 10 consecutive laps is too small of a sampling here to get the best read.

Drivers who impressed in average speeds along with Kahne and Keselowski were Martin Truex Jr and A,J, Allmendinger. Truex Jr was in the top-10 of both practices in single lap times and ran 70 laps for a 119.403 mph average.

Allmendinger was fastest in the earlier session, but fell to 17th during the final practice. However, his average speeds (87 laps for 119.384 average) suggest he’ll be competing for a top-5 finish or better in Sunday’s race.

Jeff Gordon is also a driver that showed he can compete for his sixth Bristol win with the ninth fastest single lap and good average speeds.

Greg Biffle didn’t do anything spectacular in practice, but the points leader and pole sitter should be fine as he attempts to win his first short track race.

Top-5 Final Practice Speeds:
1. Ryan Newman 121.883 mph (92 laps for 118.962 average)
2. Kyle Busch 121.836 mph (81 laps for 118.722 average)
3. Brad Keselowski 121.682 mph (94 laps for 119.310 average)
4. David Reutimann 121.682 mph (39 laps for 119.758 average)
5. Kasey Kahne 121.628 mph (60 laps for 119.567 average)

Notes: Kahne’s average lap times were fastest among drivers with at least 60 laps run. Jeff Burton ran the most laps of the session with 108 followed by Jimmie Johnson with 102.

Final Practice Speeds


Allmendinger Fastest in Saturday's First Session

AJ Allmendinger still looking fast in practice (Getty)

The NSCS drivers hit the track early Saturday morning for their second Food City 500 practice session, and it was AJ Allmendinger, with a lap speed of 122.638 mph, posting the fastest lap during the session at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Kyle Busch, with a lap speed of 122.576 mph, was the second fastest with Ryan Newman (122.443 mph), Greg Biffle (122.380) and Martin Truex Jr. (122.341) rounding out the top-5.

Look-out! Five-time Bristol winner Kyle Busch is fast in practice. Here in Las Vegas, a few sports books have him as low as 4-to-1 to win the race...and that was even before this practice.

Kasey Kahne (122.333 mph) was sixth fastest followed by Aric Almirola (122.310), Denny Hamlin (122.217), Matt Kenseth (122.209) and Jeff Burton (122.201 mph).

I'm not surprised that Allmendinger is fast, but what is kind of shocking is how well his former car has run on four vastly different type of tracks thus far. The final results at Daytona and Las Vegas aren't anything great to write home about, but the No. 43 practices, particularly at Phoenix and Vegas, are.

Kahne had the best 10 consecutive lap average followed by Newman, Truex Jr and Brad Keselowski.  

Practice 2 Top-5 Speeds:
#22-Allmendinger 122.638
#18-Busch 122.576
#39-Newman 122.443
#16-Biffle 122.380
#56-Truex Jr. 122.341
slowest: #49-Yeley 119.447 & #23-Riggs 119.648
no speed; #74-Sorenson
notes: #48-Johnson spun and #27-Menard got into the left rear of the #48, causing slight damage to the #48. (Jayski.com)

Practice 2 Results



Edwards Fastest in First Practice Session

Fast start to weekend for Edwards (Getty)

Carl Edwards, with a lap speed of 123.921 mph, posted the fastest lap during the first Food City 500 practice session at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Edwards had laid down the fastest lap within his first laps run in the 90 minute session, but after about 50 minutes into it, A.J. Allmenndinger took the top slot. That only lasted for a few minutes as Edwards went back out and took it right back. Edwards was visibly excited about being the fastest in practice after struggling the last two weeks in practice.

Most of the top times were in qualifying trim, but several teams ran quite a few laps in race trim to get additional information and a head start going into tomorrow's final practices.

Allmendinger remained second fastest and with a lap speed of 123.881 mph and was followed by Marcos Ambrose (123.865 mph), Joey Logano (123.826 mph) and Ryan Newman (123.730).

Jeff Gordon (123.730 mph) was sixth fastest, while Regan Smith and Kevin Harvick with the identical lap speed of 123.658 mph, were recorded seventh and eighth fastest respectively. Martin Truex Jr (123.650) and Kyle Busch (123.594) rounded out the top-ten fastest during practice.

Jamie McMurray ran the most laps (69) of the session followed by Paul Menard (54).

The teams will return to the track later this afternoon for their 3:40 pm (ET) scheduled qualifying session, and then return again on Saturday for two more practice sessions.

Friday Practice Speeds

Biffle on the Pole - Starting Lineup

Phoenix Practice Times: MWR's Truex Jr and Bowyer Fastest, But Kahne Looks Strongest Overall

By Micah Roberts

Kahne had the best 10 consecutive lap average in final practice (Getty)

Martin Truex Jr led the way with the fastest lap during the final practice session Friday in preparation for Sunday’s Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. With less than a minute to go in the session Truex Jr passed the top time his MWR teammate, Clint Bowyer, had just set five minutes earlier with a top speed of 139.481 mph.

Truex Jr’s speed was the fastest of both 90 minute sessions on a day the drivers had to battle with 30 mph winds. In the first practice session, Tony Stewart led the way at 138.680 mph. In both practices, the fastest times came from those in a mock qualifying trim. It was thought that the final practice session may have been used primarily for race set-up, but with about 35 minutes to go several cars changed over into their qualifying trim for the second time between Friday’s two sessions.

The driver who stood out in both race and qualifying trim was Jimmie Johnson who ran a session high 62 laps. Despite all the laps run, Johnson still managed to average 135.001 mph, something only 12 other drivers were able to do while driving considerably less laps.

Dale Earnhardt Jr stood out in race trim early on along with Brad Keselowski, Kasey Kahne, Paul Menard and Greg Biffle.

That’s all the practice we get for the weekend. It’s a bunch of jumbled times with little indication of who really is fast in race conditions. The best way to dissect what happened today to get a read on who will be fast Sunday and who is just fast in qualifying trim is looking at the average speeds and, in particular, best 10 consecutive lap average. Kahne led the way in that category followed by Johnson, Stewart, Kyle Busch and Mark Martin.

Qualifying for Sunday’s race begins Saturday at 2:35 pm (ET).

Here’s a look at the Top-5 Practice speeds from the final session:

1. Martin Truex Jr 139.481 mph (37 laps for 135.486 average speed)
2. Clint Bowyer 139.227 mph (27 laps for 135.075 average)
3. Juan Pablo Montoya 139.002 mph (37 laps for 135.610 average)
4. Kurt Busch 138.841 mph (35 laps for 135.219 average)
5. Jeff Gordon 138.244 mph (59 laps for 134.962 average)

Matt Kenseth had to go to a back-up after slapping the wall early in the session. Joe Nemechek and David Gilliland also banged the wall, but no word on whether they had to go to a back-up (as if it really matters).

Phoenix Practice 2 Results


Stewart Fastest in First Practice Session

Stewart fast in qualifying trim, but not as good in race set-up (Getty)

Tony Stewart had the fastest lap in Friday’s first practice session at Phoenix International Raceway in preparation for Sunday‘s Subway Fresh Fit 500. Stewart topped the charts with two minutes remaining in the 90 minute session while in qualifying trim.

The first practice was basically split up into two sessions by the teams. The first half was used by most teams in race trim while the second half was mostly short runs in qualifying trim.

During the first half, the fastest cars in race trim were Greg Biffle, Kasey Kahne, Carl Edwards, Jeff Gordon and Ryan Newman. The times drastically increased when Jeff Burton came out with a qualifying set-up and went to the top of charts. As more cars started changing over, new top times for the session continued to be set with Stewart ultimately finishing on top. Burton finished 15th fastest overall.

The practice schedule this week is another one of those goofy ones where the teams do all their practices for both race and qualifying set-ups on Friday, then qualify on Saturday with no other runs to prepare for race day. Everything a team needs to know for Sunday’s race has to be found in one of the two Friday sessions.

In the final practice, most teams will go back to race trim and do their final tinkering. The only problem is that once a team finds that perfect equation, they have to tear it down and re-set it for Saturday’s qualifying.

NASCAR has to have some good reason for this type of practice scheduling, but can’t think of any other than fuel conservation and helping under-funded teams with the cost of tires -- teams of which rarely practice anyway knowing they are going to start and park.

Next week things go back to normal in Las Vegas with the traditional qualifying practice and qualifying on Friday and then the final two practice sessions on Saturday.

Here’s a look at the Top-5 practice times from the first session:

1. Tony Stewart 138.680 mph (32 laps for 134.737 mph average)
2. Mark Martin 138.611 mph (19 laps for 134.404 mph average)
3. Greg Biffle 138.568 mph (32 laps for 134.186 average)
4. Ryan Newman 138.493 mph (34 laps for 133.586 average)
5. Kasey Kahne 138.408 mph (31 laps for 135.001 average - fastest overall)

Brendan Gaughan, Michael McDowell, Martin Truex Jr and Ryan Newman all wrecked in the final few minutes of the session. Truex Jr may not have to go with a back-up car, but the others will.

Phoenix Practice 1 Results

The final practice session on Friday should be a little more telling to who will do well in Sunday’s race. Right now, it’s hard to ignore last year’s Phoenix fall race winner, Kasey Kahne, in his new No. 5 Hendrick ride, a car that has visited victory lane in the desert multiple times.


Driver Quotes From Friday's Practice

TONY STEWART ON HOW HIS PRACTICE SESSION WAS: “I was pretty happy with it. It’s nice to come back here and kind of finish off where we left off last fall we were pretty good here in the fall. It’s nice to come back in the spring here and do it again.”

KYLE BUSCH ON HOW HIS CAR WAS IN PRACTICE: “It’s alright for a little while. Not too bad. Just shaking her in — getting it used to being back here in Phoenix. The track did a nice job of getting a lot of rubber laid down so it made it a lot easier to transition right in to trying to go fast instead of having to break in a race track and get used to all that and rubber it in and all.”

CARL EDWARDS ON HOW PRACTICE WENT: “Practice went really well for us. This is obviously a huge weekend for us with the Subway Ford being that it is the Subway race. We would really like to win this one for everybody there. Practice went really well. I think we have a very fast race car. It looks like Biffle is extremely fast as well, so we will lean on him a little bit between practices and then try to get the car tuned in for the next practice. It is really weird to see the 60 car drive by, by the way. It is like a dream when you are missing school or something. You forgot that test paper. I am driving it via Trevor.”

Final 2012 Budweiser Shootout Driver Ratings Following All Practices

Micah Roberts Top 10 Driver Ratings
Budweiser Shootout
Daytona International Speedway
Saturday, February 18, 2012 - 5:10 pm (PDT)

Rating    Driver     Odds       Practice 1  Practice 2  Start Pos.  2011 Shootout*

 1. Kevin Harvick 8/1             12th           DNP              22nd              7th
Two-time Shootout winner (2009, 2010), using winning car from 2010 Daytona Firecracker.

 2. Tony Stewart 12/1              9th           DNP              15th             11th
Three-time Shootout winner, the last coming 2007, and 16 wins overall at Daytona.

 3. Jamie McMurray 15/1        4th             1st                   4th              2nd
Shootout Runner-up in 2009 and 2011, third in 2010; using same chassis from 2011 and 2010.

 4.  Jeff Gordon 10/1              21st            DNP             14th              6th
Two-time Shootout winner (1994, 1997); finished sixth or better in last four starts.   

 5. Dale Earnhardt Jr 10/1      24th           12th                 8th             19th
Two-time Shootout winner (2003, 2008); hasn’t finished better than 11th in last three starts.

 6. Clint Bowyer 25/1              10th            DNP              17th             9th
Best finish of ninth last year; had fastest time in one of the Daytona pre-season test sessions.

 7. Jeff Burton 20/1                  2nd            DNP              12th             8th 
Best finish was fifth in 2001; using chassis from Harvick that ran in three 2011 plates races.

 8. Kurt Busch 20/1                 15th            DNP              6th              1st
Won Shootout last season (new team this year); fastest overall in Daytona pre-season testing.

 9. Juan Montoya 30/1            23rd            2nd                 25th            20th
Best finish of 10th in 2010; tandem racing with McMurray. Using 2011 sixth-place Daytona 500 car.

10. Kasey Kahne 12/1            17th              4th                19th            24th
Runner-up in 2010; teamed with Gordon in Daytona pre-season testing and worked very well.  

Note: The Budweiser Shootout is a 75-lap non-points race consisting of drivers that finished in the top-25 final standings last season, won a past Budweiser shootout or a past points paying Daytona race.

* Results from last season’s Budweiser Shootout. 
                   
Odds courtesy of the LVH Super Book.


Bud Shootout Plays
Even though Kurt Busch was involved in an accident during Friday’s practice, I still think he’s got a great shot of winning this race. He took the least punishment of the five cars involved and won’t have to go to a back-up like the others have to. I also like Clint Bowyer, Jamie McMurray and Jeff Burton to have a great showing in this race and they all have excellent odds.

The match-up I would go after is Jeff Burton at pick ’em against Brad Keselowski, and not just because Keselowski is using a back-up car -- likely the Daytona 500 back-up car, but more so because I think Burton has a great shot at winning and running up front for most of the race. Of all the match-ups on the board, this one stands out the most.

As with any plate race, the best advice is to look at playing almost all of the match-ups that are showing plus-money. These type of races -- especially a non-points plate race -- are too much of a crap shoot to have anyone favored too much.

Match-up of the week:
JEFF BURTON -110 vs. Brad Keselowski

Odds to win Selections:
Kurt Busch 20/1, Clint Bowyer 25/1, Jeff Burton 20/1 and Jamie McMurray 18/1     


Micah Roberts, a former sports book director, has been setting NASCAR lines in Las Vegas since 1995. For more Roberts insights and post-practice analysis on the race, go to VegasInsider.com, TheLinemakers.com or follow MicahRoberts7 on Twitter.

Biffle Fastest in Friday's First Practice Session at Texas

2005 Texas winner Greg Biffle, with a lap speed of 193.327 mph, was the quickest during the first AAA Texas 500 practice session at Texas Motor Speedway.

Biffle’s fellow Roush Fenway Racing teammate, Carl Edwards, was second fastest with a lap speed of 193.043 mph, and was followed by Tony Stewart (192.713 mph), Marcos Ambrose (192.472) and Regan Smith (192.383).


Rounding out the top-ten fastest during practice were Juan Pablo Montoya (192.253) , Kyle Busch (192.226), Trevor Bayne (192.041, Matt Kenseth (192.000) and Kurt Busch (191.904).

Because the teams have two practice sessions scheduled for tomorrow, most all of the times were done with qualifying trim.

The teams will return to the track a little later this afternoon for their 4:40 PM (ET) scheduled qualifying session, and then they will return to the track on Saturday for two more practice sessions (9:45 AM – 10:30 AM; “Happy Hour” 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM – ET).

The AAA Texas 500 is set to get underway approximately at 3:30 PM (ET) Sunday afternoon with ESPN beginning their (pre-race) television coverage at 2:00 PM (ET),

Texas Practice 1 Times 

Menard Fastest in First Kansas Practice Session

Paul Menard, with a lap speed of 174.059 mph, was the quickest during the first Hollywood Casino 400 practice session at Kansas Speedway.

Second quickest with a lap speed of 173.494 mph, was Clint Bowyer, followed by Jeff Gordon (173.321), David Reutimann (173.182) and Matt Kenseth (173.066).

Rounding out the top-ten quickest during practice were Dale Earnhardt Jr. (172.894), Martin Truex Jr. (172.883), Kyle Busch (172.850), David Ragan (172.844) and Kasey Kahne (172.828).

The teams will return to the track later in the day for their 5:10 PM (EDT) scheduled qualifying session, and then return on Saturday for two more practice sessions (12:30 PM – 1:15 PM and “Happy Hour:” 1:50 PM – 2:50 PM – EDT) before Sunday’s 2:20 PM (EDT) approximate start of the Hollywood Casino 400.

Practice Speeds

Reutimann Fastest in Chicagoland's First Practice Session

Last years winner was FAST today!

It was last years Chicagoland winner,David Reutimann, with a lap speed of 183.138 mph, who posted the top time during the first GEICO 400 practice session at Chicagoland Speedway.

Second fastest and with a lap speed of 182.964 mph, was Clint Bowyer, followed by 2009 Chicagoland winner Mark Martin (182.883), 2008 winner Kyle Busch (182.846) and Trevor Bayne (182.723).

Rounding out the top-ten fastest in practice were Ryan Newman (182.710), David Stremme (182.692), AJ Allmendinger (182.506), Martin Truex Jr. (182.131) and Regan Smith (181.861).

The teams will return to the track later this evening for their final practice session that will run from 6:00 PM to 7:25 PM (EDT) and then they will return Saturday afternoon at 1:40 PM (EDT) for their scheduled qualifying session.

Results from this first practice session is what determines to qualifying order in tomorrow's session.

Notes from Jayski.com
Brad Keselowski went out for his first run but came back into the garage reporting a possible problem with the engine. The team changed spark plugs and the car was okay. Carl Edwards reported a possible problem with the fuel pickup. The team is going to change the carburetor. Mike Skinner had a possible engine failure that laid oil on the track.

Practice 1 Results

Jeff Gordon Fastest in First Richmond Practice Session

Gordon and Johnson finish 1-2 in Friday's practice (Getty)

Fresh off his Tuesday win in Atlanta, Jeff Gordon ran the fastest lap during Friday's first practice session at Richmond with a lap speed of 126.292 mph. Gordon captured the top speed while in qualifying trim within the first 10 minutes of the two hour session.

Most all of the teams used qualifying set-ups in the early stages to try and get the top speed because this session will determine the qualifying order later today. 

Gordon’s fellow Hendrick Motorsports teammate and current series points leader, Jimmie Johnson, was second fastest with a lap speed of 125.962 mph, and was followed by Casey Mears (125.927), Clint Bowyer (125.921) and A.J. Allmendinger (125.611).

Rounding out the top-ten fastest during practice were Carl Edwards (125.570), David Reutimann (125.523), Jeff Burton (125.290), Brad Keselowski and Mark Martin (125.261).

The top-10 fastest speeds were all relatively unchanged after the first 20 minutes of practice as teams ran the bulk of the session in race trim.

The final practice for the teams is set to run from 2:45 PM to 3:30 PM (EDT) with qualifying at 5:35 PM (EDT) this evening.

Richmond Practice 1 Speeds

Roush Stable Has Three of the Top-5 Speeds in Michigan's First Practice Session

Roush brigade looks pretty strong at Michigan (Getty)

Jack Roush has 11 wins as a car owner at his home track of Michigan International Speedway and watched as three of his four drivers finished speeds among the top five fastest in Friday’s first practice session. Matt Kenseth led the way with the fastest lap of 188.813 mph with Greg Biffle third (188.506) and David Ragan fifth (188.260).

The driver missing from the bunch, Carl Edwards, could only muster the 28th best lap at 186.495 mph. Edwards wasn’t able to get a satisfactory qualifying run during the entire 90 minute session despite being one of the Las Vegas favorites to win the race based on owning the track record for best average finish (6.2).

A Roush driver hasn’t won at Michigan since Edwards did it in 2008 -- a span of five races -- which is an eternity compared to the regular Ford domination over the entire history of the track. Three Toyota’s and two Chevy’s have won in those five races since.

Outside of the three Roush Ford’s in the top-five, five Chevy’s took the remaining positions within the top-eight with Ryan Newman (188.506) being the fastest among the guys in bow-ties. He was followed by 2009 Michigan winner Mark Martin (188.462), who had the fourth best lap, Paul Menard (187.990) in sixth, Jeff Gordon (187.926) and Jamie McMurray (187.842).

McMurray struggled in race and qualifying trim for the first 89 minutes, but on his last lap came up with the eighth best lap.

Most drivers spent the first portion of the session in qualifying trim and then went into race mode. Among the top-10 performers, only Martin and McMurray bettered their speeds in the second half of the session.

Brad Keselowski was the top Dodge performer in practice (187.745) and will be looking to get his third win of the year and first at his home state track to solidify his place in the Chase even more.

Denny Hamlin has won two of last three Michigan races and will be running a new Toyota Development Engine this week. He ended up with the 11th fastest speed of 187.607. He was the second fastest Toyota behind teammate Kyle Busch, who gained his top speed very late after running in the mid-20's for most of the session.

It's been 115 races since Earnhardt Jr. has won a race (Getty)

In addition to Edwards being a surprise, Jimmie Johnson raised some eyebrows with having only the 26th fastest lap. Johnson has never won at Michigan, one of only five tracks on the circuit he hasn't conquered, but his Hendrick teammates all fared much better with even Dale Earnhardt Jr having a better session than the No. 48 team. Earnhardt Jr. has gone 115 races since last winning a race and it came at Michigan in 2008.

The most impressive on the day was Matt Kenseth who comes in with all kinds of credentials that have many believing he will be the driver to beat Sunday. He has the second best average finish (9.5) on the track among all active drivers, two wins and he’s got his best chassis running this week.

The car he’s using last ran at the Brickyard where he finished fifth. Prior to that, Kenseth ran it in June’s Michigan race where he led three times until settling for runner-up. Before that, he won with it at Texas.

Michigan Practice 1 Speeds

Kyle Busch Tops First Practice at the Glen; Montoya and Ambrose Look Strong

Montoya good to go as he'll use winning Glen car again

Kyle Busch, with a lap speed of 125.566 mph, was on top of the speed chart during the first Cup practice session at Watkins Glen.

Second fastest on the speed chart was Juan Pablo Montoya with a lap speed of 125.557 mph, and he was followed by AJ Allmendinger (125.544), Ryan Newman (125.233) and Brad Keselowski (125.185).

Rounding out the top-ten fastest in practice were Greg Biffle (124.956), Jeff Gordon (124.499), Mark Martin (124.474) , Kevin Harvick (124.448) and Jamie McMurray (124.371).

The driver who ran the best while in race trim -- 7-to-2 race favorite Marcos Ambrose -- didn’t even crack the top-10 while some bettered themselves considerably with qualifying trim. Ambrose, Montoya, Allmendinger, Biffle, Gordon, Keselowski, Kyle and Kurt Busch were all fast early in race trim.

Montoya is using the same chassis he beat around for a 22nd-place finish in June's Sonoma race, a finish that wasn't conducive with how well his car really ran. Montoya battled all day and could have been a top-five car, easy, had he not been beaten back by retaliating drivers. This week's chassis is also the same car that won at Watkins Glen last year.

The teams will have their final practice session this afternoon from 4:10 PM – 5:30 PM (EDT) before returning Saturday morning for their 11:40 AM (EDT) scheduled qualifying session to determine the starting lineup for Sunday’s race.

Practice 1 Speeds from the Glen

Newman Fastest in First Pocono Practice Session

Ryan Newman, with a lap speed of 170.026 mph, was the fastest during the first Good Sam RV Insurance 500 practice session at Pocono Raceway.

Second fastest was Kurt Busch with a lap speed of 168.621 mph, and was followed by AJ Allmendinger (168.517 mph), Carl Edwards (168.360) and Mark Martin (168.300).

Rounding out the top-ten during practice were Jimmie Johnson (168.284), David Ragan (168.108), Paul Menard (168.039), Kyle Busch (167.976) and Brad Keselowski (167.679).

“Happy Hour” for the teams will be later this afternoon from 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM (EDT) and then the teams will return Saturday morning for their 10:40 AM (EDT) scheduled qualifying session

Pocono Practice 1 Speeds

Biffle Fastest in Second Brickyard Practice Session



Greg Biffle topped the second practice session Friday

Greg Biffle, with a lap speed of 178.310 mph, was the fastest during Friday's second Brickyard 400 practice session at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Most of the teams used the session in race trim and these speeds may be the best indicator of what may happen on race day. Biffle also had very good average times as well.

Biffle is the second Roush-Fenway driver to lead a Brickyard practice session. Matt Kenseth led the first session in what was primarily done in qualifying trim. Kenseth finshed 29th best in the later session.

Jack Roush has gone 17 Brickyard 400's without a win by any of his drivers on the track, but looks to have a grip on what it's going to take this week. The Las Vegas co-favorite to win the race was Carl Edwards (6/1) who finished sixth fastest with the best overall average speeds among drivers who ran at least 15 laps. David Ragan was 21st  fastest.

Martin Truex Jr. was second fastest with a lap speed of 178.172 mph, and was followed by Jimmie Johnson (177.669), Casey Mears (177.288) and Kevin Harvick (177.249).

Rounding out the top-ten fastest in practice were Edwards (177.228), Joey Logano (177.019), David Reutimann (176.984), Jeff Burton (176.904) and Brian Vickers (176.817).

Four-time Brickyard winner Jeff Gordon had the best 10 consecutive lap average in the practice, followed by Paul menard and Clint Bowyer.

The teams will return to the track on Saturday morning for their “Happy Hour” practice session that is scheduled to run from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM (EDT) with qualifying scheduled at 2:10 PM (EDT) that afternoon.

Practice 2 Speeds

Kenseth Fastest in First Brickyard 400 Practice

Kenseth could be in store for the pole

Matt Kenseth, with a lap speed of 181.203 mph, was the quickest during the first Brickyard 400 practice session. Most of the drivers were in qualifying-trim for the session and will use the second session today with their race set-ups.

Kenseth performing well shouldn't be too much of a surprise, not only because of two runner-up finishes on the fabled track, but also because of the chassis he brought this week. He's using his winning Texas car that also finished runner-up at Michigan and sixth at Kentucky.

Needless to say, Kenseth looks to be dialed in for the race and a top contender to win and give Jack Roush his first Brickyard win.

Second fastest in practice with a lap speed of 181.178 mph, was Kasey Kahne, followed by Denny Hamlin (181.050), Carl Edwards (180.658) and David Ragan (180.404).

Kurt Busch, with a lap speed of 180.270 mph, was sixth fastest on the speed chart, while Juan Pablo Montoya (180.144), Jamie McMurray (179.634), Jeff Gordon (179.519) and Jeff Burton (179.412) rounded out the top-10.

The teams will have one more practice session today from 3:15 PM – 4:30 PM (EDT) before returning Saturday morning for their “Happy Hour” session (10:00 AM – 11:30 AM -EDT) before qualifying at 2:10 PM (EDT) later that afternoon.

Practice Speeds

Edwards Fast Early Lap Holds On To Be Quickest in Pocono's First Practice

Edwards topped the charts in the first practice session

Carl Edwards, with a lap speed of 167.729 mph, posted the fastest lap during the first practice session at Pocono Raceway.

Paul Menard was second fastest with a lap speed of 167.648 mph, and was followed by Jimmie Johnson (167.454) who was third fastest, Tony Stewart (167.264) fourth fastest and Kurt Busch (166.728) was the fifth fastest.

Rounding out the top-ten fastest were Ryan Newman (166.725), Brad Keselowski (166.636), Juan Pablo Montoya (166.392), Jeff Gordon (166.334) and Denny Hamlin (166.291).

Only two drivers ran more than 10 consecutive laps -- Montoya and Keselowski -- during the first session. Most all of the top times were done in race trim and done on the very first lap they ran. The exceptions were Stewart and Newman who put qualifying trim late in the session to crack the top-10.

“Happy Hour” for the teams is scheduled to run from 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM (EDT) this afternoon, and then the teams will return Saturday morning for their 11:10 AM (EDT) scheduled qualifying session.

Top-5 - 1st Pocono Practice:
#99-Edwards 167.729
#27-Menard 167.648
#48-Johnson 167.454
#14-Stewart 166.769
#22-Busch 166.728
slowest: #7-Wimmer 159.552 & #50-Bell 160.448
Note: Scott Wimmer is in the #7 Robby Gordon Motorsports Dodge and Bliss is in the #32.
This session will set the qualifying order for Saturday's qualifying, with slowest out first and fastest out last, all cars, the field is not separated by top-35 in owners points anymore.

Practice 1 Speeds