Cindric fastest in opening Daytona 500 practice

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Austin Cindric topped the NASCAR Cup Series’ lone practice session ahead of Daytona 500 qualifying, posting a 48.02-second lap.

The 2022 Daytona 500 winner set the early benchmark with drafting help, though the session offered little indication of how qualifying may unfold later tonight.

However, Chase Briscoe turned the fastest lap without drafting assistance. He clocked in a 48.86-second lap, finishing the session in

The session served primarily as a shakedown. Teams dialed in setups, rehearsed mock qualifying runs off pit road, checked pit road speeds, and focused on their individual preparation rather than outright speed.

Corey LaJoie (48.25) was the fastest open-car. Bubba Wallace (48.26) led the Toyota’s while Ross Chastain (48.14) led the Chevrolet camp.

Tyler Reddick and Jimmie Johnson, who has the provisional, led the session with the most laps with 20 circuits completed.

Daniel Suarez found top ten speed in his new ride as he starts his tenure on the right note.

Two cars did not take to the track during the session. Todd Gilliland and Michael McDowell were the non-participants.

McDowell’s crew chief, Travis Peterson, showed the upmost trust in his qualifying setup in their decision to not participate.

Below is the full results of the opening practice session at Daytona.