Phoenix NASCAR Cup Series Championship Practice Notes

Chase Briscoe – In the opening minutes of practice, Chase Briscoe had a flat tire which brought out an early caution. When Briscoe returned to the track, things weren’t right with the #19 and he reported that his lights were flashing. During his final run, Briscoe reported that he had a vibration and he immediately came in. Of the championship drivers, Briscoe is the only driver who didn’t make a 10-lap run. This was not a good practice session for the #19.

William Byron – About 15 minutes into practice, William Byron was really happy with his car. “Feels good just trying to be careful with the tires.” Burton felt like Byron had the best car on the track early in practice. The #24 was said to look right in the ball game. Byron said he felt good during an interview. He said his first run was his best run and then he tried some things. In practice, Byron had the 3rd best 10-lap average and the 3rd best 20-lap average.

Denny Hamlin – Early in practice, Denny Hamlin went to the garage for adjustments to hopefully avoid a flat tire himself after Bell and Briscoe had early flats. When Hamlin returned to the track, he was fast and posted the best 5-lap average (for the time). In the second half of practice, Hamlin felt a vibration and immediately came in. During his final run, Hamlin looked pretty good and was viewed to be one of the best, but he reported that his clutch felt long. Burton felt like Hamlin looked really good during his final run. I wouldn’t be too concerned about Hamlin being down the speed charts given how practice played out.

Kyle Larson – Larson was fast and seemed pretty pleased with his car. He did have some minor wall contact around the midpoint in practice. Larson had good long run speed and was mentioned to be running higher than others. In practice, Larson had the 2nd best 10-lap average and ranked #1 for 15 and 25-lap averages.

Ryan Blaney – The #12 was fast and Blaney looked great. During a run in the second half of practice, Blaney jumped up to #1 for 10-lap averages. Blaney ranked 2nd for 15-lap averages and had the best 20-lap average.