New Hampshire NASCAR Practice #1 Notes

Dale Earnhardt Jr. – Won’t race this weekend because of a concussion. Alex Bowman will drive the #88. If Earnhardt Jr. isn’t cleared to race next weekend Jeff Gordon will drive the #88.

Alex Bowman – Ran some laps early to get a feel for his car. It improved over the course of the session. Pretty happy in turns 3&4. Wants to improve in turns 1&2. Went to qualifying trim with about 35 minutes remaining. Earnhardt Jr. tested here so he should have a good baseline setup.

Brad Keselowski – Only focused on qualifying trim today. His car wasn’t where he wanted it to be in that package.

Aric Almirola – Tested here. Reported he was lacking grip. During a later run he reported his grip improved. In qualifying trim he was loose in both corners of the track and wanted more side bite.

Kurt Busch – Has a good car. “Real good center out.” Went to qualifying trim with about 45 minutes remaining.