Photo Credit: Noel Lanier
Martin Truex, Jr. led a fast opening practice session for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at Michigan International Speedway. Truex posted the fastest lap at 35.724 seconds, and averaged over 201 MPH at the two-mile oval.
Truex’s fast lap put him just in front 2014 Michigan winner Jimmie Johnson. Johnson’s lap was just under a tenth of a second slower than Truex at 35.797 seconds.
Team Penske driver Joey Logano was third fastest in practice. Logano, a two-time winner in the Irish Hills, is looking to sweep the races at Michigan after winning in June. Behind Logano was Team Penske affiliate Ryan Blaney in the No. 21 Wood Brothers Ford. Kyle Larson rounded out the top-five.
Kyle Busch, Chase Elliott, Kasey Kahne, Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards completed the top-10 running order.
Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s replacement Alex Bowman was 14th in practice. For Bowman’s there’s a little added pressure as he will be carrying the University of Michigan’s logo on the hood of his car. The prominent school is located in Ann Arbor, just under an hour away from the track.
Jeffrey Earnhardt, who was 38th quickest in practice, made contact with the wall late in practice, and will be forced to go to a backup car for Sunday’s race.
