Ryan Blaney posted the fastest lap in Friday’s extended practice session, which saw three cars hit the wall and another spin on Texas Motor Speedway’s repaved and reconfigured surface.
Kyle Busch, Erik Jones and Chase Elliott each hit the wall during the 2-hour, 25-minute session. Denny Hamlin spun but made no contact with the wall. Jones and Elliott will go to backup cars. After thinking it would skip qualifying to repair the car, Busch’s team discovered the damage wasn’t as bad and was looking to qualify.
Blaney was one of four drivers to complete to exceed 193 mph. His top lap was 194.182 mph. He was followed by Michael McDowell (194.056 mph), Chris Buescher (193.361) and Jones (193.154). Jones’ time was done before he wrecked that car. He did not get out on track in his backup car.