Texas NASCAR Practice #1 Notes

Denny Hamlin – 15 minutes into practice while he was 6th after running 10 laps he said, “I get into Turn 3 OK, once I get into 4 it’s ricocheting really bad.” 25 minutes into practice following what appeared to be a qualifying run he jumped to the top of the speed chart. Following the run that put him at the top of the speed chart he said, “I need better control over the bumps…in traffic, there won’t be enough there. 1 & 2 are ok, but I’m a little lose on exit.” Late in practice he had the best 5 lap average.

Clint Bowyer – 15 minutes into practice while he was 2nd his crew chief said, “The place you’re going to make your money here is off of 2 during the race.” 30 minutes into practice he jumped to the top of the speed chart. This session he had the 2nd best 5 lap average and the best 10 lap average.

John Hunter Nemechek – This week he’s making his series debut driving the #36 in place of Matt Tifft. 15 minutes into practice while he was 24th after running 7 laps he said, “3 and 4 over the bumps, pretty bad.” 30 minutes into practice he said, better but still needs more help.” He said his car went from a 4/10 tight to a 2/10 tight.

Kevin Harvick – Started with a long run and had good speed that put him at the top of the speed chart. He ended the session with the 2nd best 10 lap average.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – His car showed good speed during race runs and during his qualifying run. A late qualifying run jumped him up to 2nd. “That felt really good there.” His ten lap average ranked as the 5th best.