Charlotte Coca Cola 600 NASCAR Practice Notes

Group #1 Practice Notes

Kyle Larson – Kyle Larson was logging quick lap times early in group #1. His opening run (until LaJoie crashed) was 5 laps, and his 5-lap average was the best among the drivers who completed a 5-lap run at that point. Midway thru practice, Kyle Larson got into the wall. Larson told his team, “I don’t know if we need a backup car, but I hit it pretty good.” The #5 team chose not to qualify. Larson said his car was pretty decent before he got into the wall.

Corey LaJoie – In the opening minutes of practice, Corey LaJoie wrecked. His car had a fair amount of damage. LaJoie had a tire go down. He’ll start in the rear of the field in a backup car.

Alex Bowman – The #48 was logging quick lap times. At the time of the LaJoie caution, Bowman had the 2nd best 5 lap average. At the end he said, “Our car is close, we’re just a little too loose over the bumps. We have a little work to do.” Bowman’s 5 lap average was the 3rd best overall.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – Early in practice at the time of the LaJoie caution, Stenhouse was 16th and he reported that his rear is really loose and darty, front really tight and it felt like it was bottoming out. At the end of practice, Stenhouse’s team reported that his car was plowing, and he thinks he is on the bump stop in the left rear. Stenhouse never made a 5 lap run.

Ross Chastain – The #1 car was fast. Halfway thru group #1 practice he was 3rd on the speed chart. Late in practice he said, “It’s turning better, though. All left rear.” Chastain ended the session 3rd overall. Chastain did a tire test at Charlotte about a month ago.