Martinsville ace Denny Hamlin paced Saturday’s first practice session with a lap at 97.113 mph, and defending STP 500 winner Kurt Busch topped Happy Hour at 97.098 mph…
Eight-time Martinsville winner Jimmie Johnson slowed during the first practice, thinking he might have lost a cylinder. But the crew diagnosed and fixed an electrical issue, and Johnson was soon back up to speed, posting the second fastest time in the session at 96.988 mph…
A day before the actual race, drivers already were showing their short-track tempers. Reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick gave Jamie McMurray’s Chevrolet a tap during Happy Hour, upset with what he considered continued blocking. Austin Dillon and Danica Patrick battled for five straight laps, trading some paint in the process.
If Saturday’s practices are any indication, Sunday’s race could have some spectacular fireworks.
Source: Reid Spencer / NASCAR Wire Service
