NASCAR Cup Series Practice Report: Pocono Raceway
William Byron of Hendrick Motorsports led the charge in Saturday’s NASCAR Cup Series practice session at Pocono Raceway, recording the fastest lap at 170.759 mph with a time of 52.706 seconds during his second lap. Byron currently tops the championship standings.
Bubba Wallace followed closely, clocking in at 170.033 mph, while Chase Elliott secured third at 169.885 mph. Tyler Reddick, Chris Buescher, and Michael McDowell rounded out the top six, with speeds of 169.766 mph, 169.667 mph, and 169.584 mph, respectively. Defending Pocono winner Ryan Blaney finished eighth at 169.418 mph.
Notably, Christopher Bell’s session was limited to just four laps due to a power steering issue, placing him 13th overall. Denny Hamlin, a seven-time winner at Pocono, returned to his Joe Gibbs Racing car after paternity leave and ended the practice 27th fastest.
Josh Berry faced mechanical issues with the diffuser on his Wood Brothers Racing car, completing only five laps before returning to the garage for repairs. Additionally, Cody Ware spun out in Turn 3 and hit the wall early in the session, resulting in damage that will prevent him from attempting a qualifying lap.
A total of 37 teams are entered for the race, with Brennan Poole driving the Open entry for NY Racing Team.
