The NASCAR Cup Series cars took to the Daytona International Speedway for the first time on Wednesday, participating in their initial practice session ahead of the 68th Daytona 500.
With time trials scheduled later that day, most drivers focused on single-car runs in qualifying trim. Nevertheless, some drivers engaged in drafting and formed small groups, which influenced the final speed results. While Ross Chastain remarked that his drafting was unintentional as the drivers sought to space themselves, Bubba Wallace playfully referred to his lap as a ‘PR’ lap in the draft, grinning widely.
After the one-hour practice concluded, Austin Cindric, who claimed the Daytona 500 victory in 2022 and races for Team Penske, topped the speed charts with an impressive lap of 187.402 mph. He completed the 2.5-mile track in just 48.025 seconds. Following him were Chastain in his Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, Corey LaJoie from RFK Racing, Wallace representing 23XI Racing, and Daniel Suarez of Spire Motorsports.
Completing the top ten were Alex Bowman, Erik Jones, Corey Heim, Kyle Larson, and Jimmie Johnson.
The Fastest Open Entries
LaJoie is among eight open entries still seeking to secure one of the last four spots for the 500. With the fastest two open entries guaranteed a place in the race later today, achieving single-lap speed is crucial for these competitors.
Heim, the reigning NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion, was the next-best open entry, finishing eighth while driving for 23XI Racing. Following him in terms of speed was Justin Allgaier, who marked the third fastest open entry in 18th position.
Out of the 45 total entries, 43 took to the track, with Michael McDowell in the No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet and Todd Gilliland in the No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford not participating.
Brad Keselowski also hit the track after receiving medical clearance earlier this week. Although he was seen using a cane as he continues to recover from a broken femur, David Ragan is on standby should he require a relief driver.
Fortunately, the opening practice session was incident-free, with no significant mechanical failures reported. The next event on the schedule is qualifying, set to begin at 8 PM EST today.
