Brickyard 400 Practice Results: Denny Hamlin Leads in Abbreviated Session
Denny Hamlin emerged as the fastest driver in Saturday’s shortened NASCAR Cup Series practice for the Brickyard 400, clocking a lap at 182.039 mph (49.44 seconds). The Joe Gibbs Racing driver made his mark in the final moments of the 25-minute session, which was reduced in length due to rain earlier in the weekend.
With only one practice session scheduled after Friday’s cancellation, teams were eager to maximize their brief on-track time. John Hunter Nemechek followed closely behind Hamlin, posting a second-fastest time of 181.781 mph. Brad Keselowski (181.305 mph), Ty Gibbs (181.076 mph), and Zane Smith (180.948 mph) rounded out the top five.
Austin Dillon recorded the sixth-fastest time at 180.159 mph, tied with Kyle Larson, the defending Brickyard 400 champion, who placed seventh. Erik Jones (179.903 mph), Carson Hocevar (179.896 mph), and Austin Cindric (179.885 mph) completed the top ten.
Cup Series points leader Chase Elliott finished 15th, with Chris Buescher and Kyle Busch in 17th and 18th, respectively. Notable performances included William Byron (21st), Alex Bowman (22nd), and Tyler Reddick (25th). Chase Briscoe struggled with a 34th place showing.
Nemechek’s consistency was evident as he led the session in the average speeds for the best five, ten, and fifteen laps, while Briscoe set the pace for the best 20-lap average.
A total of 39 teams are entered for the Brickyard 400, setting the stage for an exciting race. Qualifying will follow shortly after the practice session.
