10 drivers hit 200 mph at Daytona
Michael Waltrip hit 202 mph in the 1-hour session, which was interrupted for about 10 minutes after a portion of the speedway’s lights went out. Ten drivers ran at least 200 mph.
All of the top speeds came in two-car drafts, and there was no indication from NASCAR immediately following the practice on whether it would change the size of the holes in the restrictor plates to slow the cars for Saturday night’s 75-lap exhibition race. Officials said they would continue to monitor the situation through Saturday's scheduled practice sessions for teams preparing to qualify for the Feb. 20 Daytona 500.
Logano’s top lap speed was 203.087 mph, while Busch went 203.082.
“It’s fine," Logano said. “This place is smooth and has plenty of grip. Yeah, you’re digging. You’re hauling the mail. It’s cool. They’re racecars—you’re supposed to go fast. … It’s only because of the two-car draft. In the pack, we won’t go nowhere near that fast."
Waltrip went 202.152, and Bobby Labonte (201.839) and Greg Biffle (200.951) rounded out the top five.