Denny Hamlin led the way in opening practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series at Martinsville Speedway.
The five-time track winner rounded the half-mile in 19.846 seconds (95.415 mph) in preparation for Sunday’s First Data 500. The time was only 0.024 ahead of second-place Kyle Larson. Ryan Newman, Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch completed the top five.
Matt Kenseth finished sixth with non-playoff drivers Jamie McMurray, AJ Allmendinger and Ty Dillon rounding out the top 10.
Of the eight remaining playoff drivers to start the Round of 8 Sunday, Kevin Harvick was the lowest, ending the session 23rd on the charts. Jimmie Johnson and Martin Truex Jr. joined the No. 4 Ford outside the top 20.
Click here for full results from the first practice.
Thanks, @DaleJr. #Appreci88ion pic.twitter.com/KdpQwAqraU
— NASCAR on USA (@NASCARonUSA) October 28, 2017
It's crowded on track as opening #FirstData500 practice is underway! pic.twitter.com/SIY2vPE2d5
— Martinsville Speedway (@MartinsvilleSwy) October 28, 2017
First practice for the #FirstData500 is complete. Tune in again for Happy Hour practice at 4pm ET on NBCSN đź‘€ pic.twitter.com/vCnX3YpLk2
— FalciAdaptiveMotorsports (@FalciAdaptive) October 28, 2017