Larson paces Cup Series practice on streets of Chicago

07/06/2024 01:47 PM

Kyle Larson topped defending winner Shane van Gisbergen in NASCAR Cup Series practice on the streets of Chicago.

Larson led the way at 89.549mph (88.443s). The Hendrick Motorsports driver, who is doing double duty this weekend by competing in the Xfinity Series race, set the fastest time on his ninth lap in practice. He ran 10 laps in total.

Kaulig Racing’s van Gisbergen was second fastest at 89.435mph. After winning the inaugural Chicago race last year with Trackhouse, the Kiwi is back to defend his feat.

Ty Gibbs was third fastest at 89.405mph, Daniel Suarez, fourth at 88.881mph and Alex Bowman completed the top five at 88.874mph.

Bubba Wallace was sixth fastest (88.845mph), Chase Elliott, seventh (88.843mph) and Tyler Reddick, eighth (88.771 mph). Reddick bounced the left rear off the wall at the exit of Turn 12 but seemed to escape without significant damage.

Michael McDowell was ninth (88.737mph) with Denny Hamlin completing the top 10 (88.697mph).

Christopher Bell was 13th (88.544mph). Ryan Blaney ran 16th (88.366mph), William Byron, 18th (88.338mph) and Martin Truex Jr., 19th (88.304mph). AJ Allmendinger was 23rd (88.165mph), Kyle Busch, 27th (87.961mph) and Joey Logano, 32nd (87.463 mph).

Joey Hand was 37th (87.279mph) in a third entry for RFK Racing.

There are 40 drivers entered in Chicago.