Subbing for injured Kyle Busch, David Ragan will give up his 13th-place starting position in the Kobalt 400 and start from the rear in a backup car after slapping the outside wall late in final practice, just moments before Jeff Gordon’s accident with Danica Patrick sidelined the primary No. 24 car.
Last week’s Atlanta winner, Jimmie Johnson, led both Saturday Sprint Cup practices, running 191.891 mph in the first session and 187.637 mph in warmer conditions in final practice.
Relatively speaking, reigning series champion Kevin Harvick was considerably faster in race trim than he was during qualifying. Harvick, who will start 18th on Sunday, was third fastest in Saturday’s morning practice and fifth fastest in the final session, a good omen for Sunday’s race.
- NASCAR WIRE: Weekend Preview: Talladega Superspeedway - April 18, 2024
- Journey back to the top has brought Elliott and the No. 9 team closer - April 16, 2024
- Chase Elliott wins in double overtime, snaps 42-race winless streak at Texas - April 15, 2024