On Track - Friday @ NHMS

It was a rough start to the race weekend in Loudon and an even rougher start for some.

Mark Martin and Tony Stewart crashed during their first practice session less than 2 hours before rain moved through the area. Sprint Cup Series qualifying was washed out. The weekend schedule has been revised.

Points leader Tony Stewart crashed in turn 2 after running 29 laps in practice midday Friday.






“I just got loose going in the corner,” said Stewart. “Goodyear came down and was worried, but it wasn’t a tire problem. Once I got out of the groove, I just ran out of room. I was staying right with it and I just needed another 50 feet to get it gathered up. I just ran out of racetrack."

The team was able to get Stewart back out on the track in the back-up for some important seat time. Stewart was able to complete 16 laps before practice ended and improved his speed from 127.304 mph to 127.316.

"By going out, we made sure that the package we had on the other car worked on this car," Stewart explained. "I do feel like it's a car that's very comparable to the one we started with, which was very, very good."

Shades of Pocono? Stewart had to start the Pocono race in a back-up in the back of the field. He went on to win that one. This time, the crash and consequential switch to the back-up happened before time trials so he won't be penalized. Since qualifying was rained out, the starting line-up will be set on owner points - giving Stewart the #1 starting position.

Mark Martin scuffed the wall and took into the infield at the same time Stewart crashed. Martin suffered minor damage on his #5.

Defending race winner Kurt Busch laid down the fastest speed during that practice session at 130.667 mph.
2. David Reutimann 130.011
3. Juan Pablo Montoya 129.967
4. Jimmie Johnson 129.927
5. Reed Sorenson 129.900

It's a double header weekend with the Nationwide Series also @ NHMS. There have been 22 different race winners in 22 Nationwide Series races @ NHMS.

First Practice:
1. Clint Bowyer 128.628
2. Scott Speed 127.902
3. Elliott Sadler 127.291
4. Kevin Harvick 127.291
5. Kenny Wallace 127.214

Final Practice:
1. Justin Allgaier 126.787
2. Kevin Harvick 126.715
3. Paul Menard 126.707
4. Carl Edwards 126.686
5. Kyle Busch 126.547

Unfortunately, rain is in the forecast throughout the race weekend.