NXS: Ty Dillon Leads Final Powershares QQQ 300 Practice at Daytona

In the final practice ahead of the NASCAR XFINITY Series season opener, Ty Dillon would top the charts with a speed of 182.113 mph. Dillon has consistently had the quickest single-car runs throughout the day, leading the first practice.

“We had a game plan from the moment that we got here that we were going to drop back, get a big run and see if we could get through the pack,” Dillon said, reflecting on his entire day of practice. “Then  we did some single-car runs and tried to work at possibly setting on the pole tomorrow. We won both practices so yay, whatever that may means. But I’m looking forward to this season and having a successful year.”

Ray Black Jr., Jeb Burton and Joey Gase were the only three drivers to draft during practice, and would take the next three spots on the speed chart. For two of the three drivers, the experience is crucial given how they’re new deals for them this year. Black Jr. makes the move from the Camping World Truck Series to the XFINITY Series, while Burton partners up with Richard Petty Motorsports after racing in the Sprint Cup Series last year for BK Racing.

“This deal came together really late and just want to thank the sponsors for coming on board, and just excited to be at Richard Petty Motorsports,” Burton said. “It feels like home already. We’re just trying to do single-car runs to get the most speed out of the car to do well in qualifying. We may do a bit of drafting with our teammate, but we’re being careful in making sure to not tear up the car.”

Darrell Wallace Jr. was fifth quickest in his back-up car after making contact with the wall during the first of the three practice sessions. Things still aren’t going as Wallace would’ve hoped, as he had to make a transmission change as the team chases a vibration that he seems to be having shifting from second gear to third gear.

Blake Koch was sixth quickest with his brand new ride at the newly form Kaulig Racing. The team was formed by Leaf Filter Services owner Mark Kaulig as after sponsoring Blake Koch over the past couple seasons with his company, Kaulig wanted to move to team ownership.

“That’s how Matt Kaulig rolls,” Koch stated. “First, I have to thank Leaf Filter for how awesome they are and Matt’s leadership and having enough money to go sponsor a racecar. It’s really cool to see all the hard work that all the people have done over the off-season. It really has just came together over the past two months as it was announced in December, and shows the commitment that Mark has put in and the hard work by Chris Rice in putting it together.”

Anthony Kumpen was seventh quickest, followed by Matt Tifft, Kyle Larson and Justin Allgaier. Allgaier makes the move to JR Motorsports this year after racing in the Sprint Cup Series last season for HSCcott Motorsports.

“Obviously Dale (Earnhardt Jr.) and Kelley (Earnhardt) do a great job, and to finally get the behind the wheel is the best part,” he said. “All winter long has been the waiting game, going in and out of the shop. It’s finally great to get behind the wheel and they built a great piece. It’s just a matter of now getting through the day and going out tomorrow and having some fun.”

The session saw a brief red flag after Derek White had a radiator hose come loose, dumping water down the backstretch.

The XFINTY Series will qualify on Saturday morning at 10 am EST, before racing in the afternoon.