Kyle Larson fastest in first Kentucky Speedway practice

Kyle Larson poised for first win? 

Kyle Larson laid down the fastest lap at Kentucky Speedway during Friday’s first practice session in preparation for Saturday night’s Quaker State 400. Larson’s speed at 183.540 mph was captured in the final stages of the 90-minute session and he was the only driver to top 183 mph in what could be a sign that the rookie is ready to capture the first win of his career.

Larson’s time beat out 2012 Kentucky winner Brad Keselowski’s lap of 182.143 mph, which he gained on the 13th of his session-high 50 laps run. Among the seven drivers that ran 10-consecutive laps, Keselowski had the fastest 10-lap average.

Brian Vickers had nearly the same speed as Keselowski and was third fastest with Larson’s teammate Jamie McMurray gaining the fourth fastest lap in the later stages.

The next four fastest speeds all came from the Stewart-Haas stables with Tony Stewart (181.287), Kurt Busch (181.190), Kevin Harvick (180.759) and Danica Patrick (180.415) all lining up fifth through eighth.

Joey Logano was ninth fastest and Kasey Kahne came in 10th as the last driver to top 180 mph.

Chevrolet has never won at Kentucky but they came in with seven of the 10 fastest laps, and surprisingly the only Hendrick driver of the bunch was Kahne, who is the only Hendrick driver without a win this season. Dale Earnhardt Jr had the 14th fastest lap, Jeff Gordon 15th and Jimmie Johnson 17th.

The final practice will be an 80-minute session at 1:00 pm (ET) with qualifying scheduled for 5:40 pm (ET).

Practice 1 Speeds

Final Practice Speeds