NASCAR Cup Series Practice Report: Bristol Motor Speedway
Bristol, TN – During the NASCAR Cup Series practice session at Bristol Motor Speedway, Justin Haley and Ryan Blaney showcased impressive speed, with Haley leading the session at 125.354 mph (15.307 seconds). Notably, he also recorded the fastest five and ten-lap averages, demonstrating both single-lap and long-run durability.
Blaney, who matched Haley’s top speed, exhibited superior performance in longer run averages, finishing second overall. Carson Hocevar tagged in third at 125.338 mph, with Brad Keselowski and Michael McDowell rounding out the top five at 125.313 mph and 125.305 mph, respectively. Chase Briscoe secured sixth place at 126.182 mph, closely followed by Denny Hamlin in seventh at 125.027 mph. Briscoe and Hamlin are confirmed for the Round of 12, with Saturday night’s race poised to finalize the next ten playoff contenders.
Chase Elliott, Ty Gibbs, and Ross Chastain rounded out the top ten, clocking speeds of 124.938 mph, 124.889 mph, and 124.621 mph, respectively. Other notable playoff contenders included Christopher Bell in 12th, Bubba Wallace in 13th, and William Byron in 25th.
A total of 39 teams are entered for the race, including additional entries from Richard Childress Racing and 23XI Racing, with Austin Hill and Corey Heim driving the third and fourth entries for their respective teams.
Defending champion Kyle Larson, who emerged victorious in both the spring and fall races at Bristol last season, will be one to watch closely. Fortunately, the practice session concluded without significant incidents, setting the stage for an exciting race ahead.
