Cindric Sets Blistering Pace as NASCAR Cup Series Roars to Life at Daytona

Daytona Beach, FL – The iconic Daytona International Speedway vibrated with the thunder of NASCAR Cup Series engines on Wednesday as drivers took to the track for the inaugural practice session ahead of the 68th running of the Daytona 500. In a commanding display of speed and precision, Austin Cindric, piloting the No. 2 Team Penske Ford, topped the speed charts with a blistering lap of 48.025 seconds, signaling a strong start for the 2022 Daytona 500 champion and his renowned team.

The one-hour session served as a crucial shakedown for the highly anticipated "Great American Race," with teams primarily focusing on single-car runs to dial in their machines in qualifying trim. However, the inherent nature of superspeedway racing saw occasional packs form, influencing the final leaderboard. While some drivers, like Ross Chastain of Trackhouse Racing, described the brief drafting moments as unintentional as the field attempted to manage spacing, others, including Bubba Wallace of 23XI Racing, embraced the opportunity, humorously labeling it a "PR" lap in the draft.

Cindric’s rapid pace set a high benchmark for the competition, with Chastain following closely in his No. 1 Chevrolet, securing the second-fastest time. Corey LaJoie, a notable contender among the open entries, impressed in his No. 7 RFK Racing Ford, landing third on the speed chart. The 23XI Racing Toyota of Bubba Wallace rounded out the top four, demonstrating strong early form. Daniel Suarez, driving the No. 99 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, completed the top five, showcasing the diverse manufacturer representation at the front of the pack.

The remainder of the top ten was a competitive mix, featuring established stars and promising talents. Alex Bowman, a previous Daytona 500 pole winner, posted the sixth-fastest lap in his No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet. Erik Jones, driving for Legacy Motor Club, secured the seventh spot. The promising rookie Corey Heim, in his No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota, proved his mettle by finishing eighth. Reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson, in his No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, and veteran Jimmie Johnson, making a return to the Cup Series with a limited schedule in his No. 84 Legacy Motor Club Chevrolet, rounded out the top ten.

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Open Entries Eyeing Crucial Starting Positions

The practice session also highlighted the intense battle for qualifying positions among the "open" entries – teams not locked into the Daytona 500 field. A total of eight open teams are vying for the remaining four starting spots, with the fastest two in Wednesday’s qualifying session earning guaranteed berths. This added layer of pressure places a premium on single-lap speed, making every millisecond count.

Corey LaJoie’s third-place finish was particularly significant as he represents one of these crucial open entries. His strong performance suggests he will be a formidable contender in the qualifying duel. Behind him, Corey Heim’s eighth-place effort as the second-fastest open entry also positions him as a strong candidate to secure his spot. Justin Allgaier, driving the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, emerged as the third-fastest open competitor, placing 18th overall. The strategic importance of qualifying for the Daytona 500 cannot be overstated, as it not only guarantees a starting position but also influences race strategy and potential earnings.

Of the 45 scheduled entries, 43 made their presence felt on track. Notably absent from the initial session were Michael McDowell in the No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet and Todd Gilliland in the No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford. The reasons for their absence were not immediately specified, but their participation in subsequent sessions will be closely watched.

Keselowski Cleared to Race Amidst Recovery

Adding a compelling narrative to the day’s proceedings was the presence of Brad Keselowski, who was cleared to race after recovering from a broken femur. The 2012 NASCAR Cup Series champion, while walking with a cane, was active on track in his No. 6 RFK Racing Ford. His participation signifies a remarkable recovery and a testament to his determination. Despite his cleared status, David Ragan remains on standby as a relief driver, a precautionary measure given Keselowski’s ongoing rehabilitation.

The absence of any on-track incidents or major mechanical failures during this initial practice session provided a clean slate for teams and drivers as they prepare for the intensity of qualifying. The focus now shifts to the critical qualifying session scheduled for later in the day, where the stakes are high and the pursuit of a coveted starting position in the Daytona 500 intensifies. The subsequent on-track action will commence at 8:00 PM EST, promising to set the tone for an electrifying week of Speedweeks at Daytona.