Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol, TN: Friday, Aug. 18th 1:55 pm
In the final practice session for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series at Bristol Motor Speedway speeds dropped slightly. Despite running under ideal conditions, slower lap times shuffled the speed standings. With rain returning to threaten the second session, all 41 driver’s again hit the track.
Ryan Blaney(21) improved his positioning posting the fastest speed at 128.554. The Wood Brothers Ford continues to be competitive at every track on the circuit. Trevor Bayne(6) and Clint Bowyer(14) were the only other Fords in the top 10. Bayne placed seventh at 126.704, Bowyer 10th at 126.553.
Kyle Larson(42) recovered from his spin during the first practice session to post the second-fastest speed of the afternoon. Larson ran 128.065. Denny Hamlin, the fastest in practice one, could only manage the 21st fastest lap at 125.856.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.(88) moved down one position to 28th, clocking a speed of 124.865. Not the performance he hoped for in his last run at The Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race.
Qualifying for Saturday’s race begins at 5:30 pm. Three sessions will determine the starting order and the one car that goes home.
Final Practice Session Results
