Michigan International Speedway Practice Report
Michigan International Speedway witnessed an eventful early morning practice session, marked by tire issues and competitive performances from key drivers.
Chase Briscoe of Joe Gibbs Racing led the session, clocking a lap time of 36.832 seconds at a speed of 195.482 mph, aiming for his third consecutive pole position. Christopher Bell closely followed with a time of 36.848 seconds (195.397 mph), while former Michigan winner Chris Buescher secured third with a lap time of 36.935 seconds (195.206 mph).
In the opening group, Alex Bowman posted the fastest lap at 194.984 mph, placing him fourth overall. Austin Dillon, along with William Byron, Denny Hamlin, Tyler Reddick, Carson Hocevar, and Ty Gibbs, rounded out the top ten.
The session was marred by multiple tire failures on the left-side rubber provided by Goodyear, which had also been used at Charlotte Motor Speedway two weeks prior. Shane van Gisbergen experienced a left-rear tire failure in the final seconds of the opening group, leading to a trip to the pits.
In the second group, Ryan Blaney suffered a left-front tire issue, prompting a lengthy delay for safety crews to assist. The session resumed but was halted once more when Tyler Reddick encountered a flat left-rear tire. Despite these interruptions, Bell achieved the fastest five-lap average at 37.01 seconds, with Gibbs recording a notable 10-lap time of 37.11 seconds.
All 36 entrants completed timed laps during practice, with Cody Ware leading with a session-high 30 laps, while Bubba Wallace logged the fewest at just five laps.
As the teams prepare for the upcoming events, the focus will be on resolving the tire issues that impacted performance during this crucial practice session.
