Earnhardt Jr. Leads First Practice at Richmond
Dale Earnhardt Jr. continues to keep his fans excited about the 2011 season as NASCAR roles into Richmond International Raceway.
In the first Sprint Cup Series practice on Friday afternoon at Richmond International Raceway, Earnhardt Jr. was the fastest during the two-hour session. Earnhardt is giving his fans something to cheer about this weekend as Richmond is one of his better tracks where he has three wins and 10 top-10 finishes.
Earnhardt led the Hendrick Motorsports teams with a lap speed of 125.465 mph while circling the oval a total of 62 laps. Teammates Mark Martin, Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson finished in 8th, 10th and 18th respectively.
Carl Edwards finished the first practice just fraction off Earnhardt’s speed with a lap speed of 125.313 mph. Edwards seemed happy with his car during the first practice so expect him to be near the top in final practice and qualifying.
Clint Bowyer and Paul Menard led the way for Richard Childress Racing right behind Earnhardt and Edwards. Bowyer is another driver to keep an eye on at Richmond where he has five top-10’s in ten races including one victory.
Other notables form the first practice were:
Joe Nemechek - 19th
Tony Stewart - 21st
Matt Kenseth - 25th
Greg Biffle - 30th
Brian Vickers - 32nd
Final Cup Practice will begin within the hour with qualifying scheduled to start at 5:35pm EST.
