Three-time NASCAR All-Star Race champion Kyle Larson has picked up where he left off when it comes to the $1 million-to-win fan favorite event. Out front.
The NASCAR Cup Series held the longest practice session of the season – 90 minutes – late Friday afternoon with the reigning series champ Larson pacing the session at the famous Dover Motor Speedway Monster Mile with a fast lap of 157.957 mph in the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet.
A victory Sunday at Dover for Larson would give him wins at four different tracks adding to an All-Star resume that includes trophy hoists at Charlotte (2019), Texas (2021) and North Wilkesboro, N.C. (2023).
“All my all-star wins have come at different tracks,” Larson said. “I think just to add another track would mean just as much as adding another [win].
“Every weekend is fun. To me I don’t treat [the All-Star race] any different, you’re still trying to go out there and execute the practice, qualifying and race. It doesn’t pay any points, but we all want to win just as bad as a points race.
Adding with a smile, “To me, it doesn’t feel any different, just pays more.”
Spire Motorsports’ Michael McDowell was second fastest in practice with Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin, Richard Childress Racing’s Kyle Busch and JGR’s Ty Gibbs rounding out the top-five. Defending All-Star race winner, JGR’s Christopher Bell was sixth fastest.
Of note, two-time series champion, Team Penske’s Joey Logano not only has a pair of All-Star race trophies but his work in this race, in particular, is stunning. His 5.80 average finish (in 15 starts) is tops all-time for the event – as are his 369 laps led and incredible 11-race streak of top-10 finishes. His No. 22 Team Penske Ford was 24th fastest in practice.
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