USA Today via Reuters
Feb 16, 2022; Daytona, FL, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) during qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 16, 2022; Daytona, FL, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) during qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Earlier, the practice sessions were in full flow for the 2022 Daytona 500. Sometime during the session, the Joe Gibbs Racing and 23XI Racing teams showed some great teamwork. To be precise, they all lined up behind each other and gave each other a massive draft. Admittedly, it took a while for the six cars to coordinate with each other.
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Initially, Kyle Busch led the pack, with Martin Truex Jr, Christopher Bell, Bubba Wallace, and Kurt Busch behind him. Eventually, the quintet managed to catch up to Denny Hamlin, who then led the group. This was clearly a bit of practice for everyone to get used to racing in a pack and getting the tow from each other.
The Toyotas are putting in the work. 👀 pic.twitter.com/u053UggOYG
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 15, 2022
There were a couple of occasions where two of the cars connected with each other and gave a bump draft. For example, Christopher Bell and Martin Truex Jr attempted it and managed to successfully connect. All in all, it looked like a pretty successful first practice session for the Joe Gibbs Racing and 23XI Racing teams.
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Where did the Joe Gibbs Racing drivers finish the practice sessions?
In the end, it was Ryan Blaney and 2021 Daytona 500 winner Michael McDowell who topped the sessions; the Ford contingent looked really strong in both sessions. Meanwhile, Toyota is on the back foot, because Bell was the fastest of the lot, all the way down in 23rd place.
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 16, 2022; Daytona, FL, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Kurt Busch (45) during qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Daniel Suarez flew the flag for Chevrolet, finishing in 11th place with the combined times. In terms of individual times, McDowell was ahead of David Ragan and rookie driver Todd Gilliland for the first session. Second practice saw Penske duo Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano take a 1-2, ahead of Cole Custer.
READ MORE: Can Kyle Busch Finally Clear His ‘Last Checkbox’ and Win the Daytona 500?
