Texas NASCAR Happy Hour Practice Notes

Drivers who were penalized practice time: Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Erik Jones and Matt Kenseth were all penalized 30 minutes. Kevin Harvick, Chase Elliott, Kasey Kahne, Joey Logano, Trevor Bayne, Corey LaJoie and Gray Gaulding were all penalized 15 minutes.

Denny Hamlin – Was said to be happy with his car in practice #2. Made two long runs this session. When he finally got out on the track after serving his penalty he jumped to the top of the speed chart.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. – While he was 11th on the speed chart 20 minutes into practice he said, “Loose as hell in, tight off, feels like it’s squatted over on the right rear.” 40 minutes into practice he said his car was “plowing.”

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Paul Menard – Finally practiced his car for the first time this weekend. Following his first run which put him 18th he said, “It’s not as tight as I thought it’d be. It is right full compression in 1&2. Turns 3&4 aren’t bad to start.” 35 minutes into practice while he was 28th he said, “Right now the issue is tight center in 1&2. I just have to be disciplined not to drive too hard into Turn 1.”

Martin Truex Jr. – Said his car was smoking really bad after an early run. His problem was a power steering leak and it was fixed in like 10 minutes. Had good speed this session.

Ty Dillon – Early in practice he said, “Tight in the middle now. Still not totally comfortable on entry to 3, but balance is better.” 45 minutes into practice he said each time he puts fresh tires on it hurts the balance of his car.

Matt Kenseth – News broke during practice that he’s stepping away from NASCAR in 2018. Showed respectable speed this session.