Mutoh leads Nashville practice session

Hideki Mutoh, the leader in the Bombardier Learjet Rookie of the Year standings, topped a practice session that afforded nine rookies and drivers transitioning to the IndyCar Series with 90 minutes of practice at Nashville Superspeedway. Three IndyCar Series drivers who have not previously raced at Nashville also received 30 minutes of practice time.

Mutoh lapped the 1.33-mile, concrete oval in 23.0842 seconds, 202.736 mph. Graham Rahal was second at 201.681 mph, his teammate Justin Wilson was third (201.597) and Will Power was fourth (201.597 mph). In all, the drivers combined for 615 incident-free laps.

“Practice was good today," Mutoh said. “I liked the feel of Nashville last year (in Firestone Indy Lights), so I am even more excited to be here in the IndyCar Series. I think I have a good enough car to be running towards the front. I am looking forward to the rest of the weekend."

Practice will open for all 24 drivers entered in the Firestone Indy 200 July 12 at 11:15 a.m. (EDT). PEAK Motor Oil Pole Qualifying presented by AutoZone is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

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