Clint Bowyer was fastest in opening NASCAR Sprint Cup Series practice at Talladega, posting a lap at 200.385 mph in the draft, as drivers prepare for the new split-field, short-session qualifying format that will debut at the 2.66-mile speedway on Saturday afternoon.
Two other drivers topped the 200 mph mark, Aric Almirola and Jamie McMurray.
In a second practice session that featured a lower number of drivers choosing to participate (21 versus 46 in the opening session), Kyle Busch was quickest at 195.205 mph, followed by Kyle Larson and Kasey Kahne.
In eighth place, with a one-point edge over Matt Kenseth for the final transfer position into the Chase’s Eliminator Round, Kahne likely needs a strong finish on Sunday to keep his championship hopes alive.
Source: Reid Spencer / NASCAR Wire Service
