Homestead NASCAR Happy Hour Practice Notes

Denny Hamlin – His car looked very strong early. He reeled in Truex Jr. and passed him. Hamlin started with ten lap run. He felt like his car was too tight in the center following his opening run. During his second run 20 minutes into practice he said, “Left front feels a little numb just as I’m starting to turn into the middle of 3 and 4, the exit is decent.” Also at that time he said he’s good in turns 1 and 2. He wasn’t as good in turns 3 and 4. 35 minutes into practice he said, “Turned really good the first six or seven laps.” Then he mentioned he gets a little tight after that. Hamlin had the best 10 lap average. Following his final run he said he learned things.

Kevin Harvick – Early in practice he was the slowest of the championship 4. Ten minutes into practice while he was 9th his crew chief said, “3 and 4, we don’t get into the center as good.” His lap 17 lap time was 2 MPH quicker than Truex Jr.’s. Harvick has a good car this weekend. He’s said to be confident with his car. Jeff Burton thought he had the best car at the end of practice.

Martin Truex Jr. – 40 minutes into practice he had the best 15 lap average. His team has been fairly happy with their car.

Kyle Busch – His car was very fast. 40 minutes into practice he had the best 5 lap average and the 2nd best 10 lap average. Late in practice he said he needs to roll the center better. His team felt good about their car over short runs, needed to be better over long runs.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – 15 minutes into practice while he was 23rd he said, “Drive off is good, entry doesn’t load up enough.” 40 minutes into practice while he was 23rd he said, “Really tight still.”