Ty Dillon and Jamie McMurray each led a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series practice Friday (April 27) at Talladega Superspeedway. Dillon was fastest during the first session while McMurray turned the fastest lap during an eventful final practice for Sunday’s GEICO 500.
Dillon turned the fastest lap during the first session with a 202.959 mph lap around the superspeedway. Daniel Suarez finished the first practice in second.
The winner of the last three races, Kyle Busch finished the session in third while Denny Hamlin and Ryan Newman rounded out the top five. Martin Truex Jr. finished the session in sixth, Erik Jones finished seventh. Austin Dillon, Jimmie Johnson and Alex Bowman rounded out the top-10 speeds during the session.
36 of the 40 drivers entered for Sunday’s race turned at least one lap during the session. Gray Gaulding, Timmy Hill, Ross Chastain, and Cole Whitt all four failed to turn one lap during the session. Reed Sorenson was the slowest of the 36 drivers who turned a lap during the session.
GEICO 500: PRACTICE 1 RESULTS
The second session had three of the four drivers sent to backup cars. With less than 30 minutes remaining in the final practice session, McMurray had just turned his fastest lap of the day, also the fastest lap of the session. McMurray blew a left front tire and spun. While spinning, the No. 1 car caught air and began to barrel roll toward the inside wall on the backstretch. McMurray barrel rolled a good six and a half times before coming to a stop on all fours.
McMurray, Newman, Suarez and Ty Dillon will be going to a backup car after the incident.
McMurray turned the fastest lap of the session with a 203.975 mph lap, while Ty Dillon was second-quickest. Suarez finished the session third, and Jones finished the session in fourth. Truex rounded out the top five.
Newman finished the session in sixth, followed by Paul Menard. Brendan Gaughan, Kevin Harvick, and Aric Almirola rounded out the top-10 speeds.
38 of the 40 cars turned a lap during the session, while Chastain posted the slowest trip around the 2.66-mile oval.
GEICO 500: PRACTICE 2 RESULTS
About the author
His favorite tracks on the circuit include Barber Motorsports Park, Iowa Speedway, Martinsville Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, Fairgrounds Speedway Nashville, and Bristol Motor Speedway.
During the season, Christian also spends time as a photographer with multiple other outlets shooting Monster Energy AMA Supercross, Minor League & Major League Baseball, and NCAA Football.
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