Martinsville NASCAR Practice #1 Notes

Daniel Suarez – Has a new crew chief this week. Seems optimistic. Wheel hopped into the corner with about 15 minutes remaining and backed his car into the wall. Will be going to a backup car. Was in qualifying trim exclusively this practice session.

Kevin Harvick – Daniel Knost will be his crew chief this weekend after his team dropped the suspension appeal for Rodney Childers. Knost won here in the past with Kurt Busch. Was one of the first drivers on the track and practiced in race trim early.

Jamie McMurray – His car looked solid and he started the session with a long run in race trim. His opening run was 19 laps. Tested at Martinsville last fall with the current rules package and tire. Said his car overall was really good and it didn’t need much.

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Erik Jones – Started in race trim so he could feel the car out. Ran 14 laps in that setup. Said his car was good. Went to qualifying trim 30 minutes into practice.

Michael McDowell – Reported that there wasn’t much grip and the track was slick. “Entry is fine. It’s a little free.” 40 minutes into practice he said, “Need drive-off. Drive-off in the gas is what I need.”