Denny Hamlin must still be running from that lobster from New Hampshire Victory Lane last week, because he is fast this weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Circling the 2.5-mile track in 48.022 seconds, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver bested second-place by 0.480 seconds, a whopping margin given the competitive fields seen in 2017.
Martin Truex Jr. was that next man, hitting a 48.502, while Matt Kenseth, Kasey Kahne and Kyle Larson completed the top five.
Unlike Friday, the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series was under a blanket of clouds for their opening session in preparation for the 24th Brickyard 400. Affecting track temperature, Kahne and Chase Elliott ran the most laps at 23 while all 40 cars took times.
Two-time defending race winner Kyle Busch ended sixth quick with Dale Earnhardt Jr., Ryan Blaney, Kevin Harvick and Brad Keselowski the top 10.
Click here for full practice results.
Lap times are good. The car doesn't drive well though. Cup cars push so bad here on exit @IMS. Nothing seems to affect it.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) July 22, 2017
Next practice is at 11am EST running until 11:55am EST.
It will also air on @CNBC. pic.twitter.com/dH45XePFAp
— Go Fas Racing (@GoFasRacing32) July 22, 2017
Martin sits with crew chief Cole and engineers after practice. #MTJ78 #martintruexjr @autoownersins pic.twitter.com/yqaBjX5CWm
— FalciAdaptiveMotorsports (@FalciAdaptive) July 22, 2017
Excited to talk to the folks with @VETSRacing today. Great organization & great group of people! pic.twitter.com/L7TDrBu0bx
— The Motorsports Group (@TMGTEAMS) July 22, 2017
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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