In what was a test session for the full XFINITY Series field Friday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Elliott Sadler posted the top time in the opening practice of the weekend.
Circling the famed 2.5-mile oval in 54.080 seconds (166.420 mph), he led JR Motorsports teammate Justin Allgaier by 0.068 seconds.
The true highlight of the day was the difference in speeds from last year. With the XFINITY Series debuting an aero package, which includes an aero duct cover, a restrictor plate, a bigger spoiler and larger front splitter, Sadler’s speed was more than 25 mph behind the 2016 pole speed.
The changes were also seen visually, as the session ended with a pack of nearly 10 cars drafting in a line, with multiple passes made in this time.
Kyle Busch, who hasn’t lost an XFINITY or Cup race at Indy since 2014, finished third fastest with Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Erik Jones in fourth. Paul Menard was fifth with William Byron, Tyler Reddick, Brennan Poole, Cole Custer and Matt Tifft the top 10.
Click here for full practice results.
The first @NASCAR_XFINITY practice is complete. @joeylogano:12th
Final practice will be on the @NBCSports app beginning at 3 pm ET.#NASCAR pic.twitter.com/Wjn9SjO0wh— Team Penske (@Team_Penske) July 21, 2017
I hope the 2nd groove comes in soon @IMS
— Slugger Labbe (@SluggerLabbe) July 21, 2017
Business is pickin' up! #LillyDiabetes250 pic.twitter.com/vBxIZqTrpe
— NASCAR Xfinity (@NASCAR_Xfinity) July 21, 2017
A good line of cars working together this practice @IMS #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/X4Ro1ocrZ1
— Frontstretch (@Frontstretch) July 21, 2017
About the author
Growing up in Easton, Pa., Zach Catanzareti has grown his auto racing interest from fandom to professional. Joining Frontstretch in 2015, Zach enjoys nothing more than being at the track, having covered his first half-season of 18 races in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series in 2017. With experience behind the wheel, behind the camera and in the media center, he thrives on being an all-around reporter.
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