Kyle Larson posts fastest speed in final Sprint Cup practice

Posted September 17, 2016 7:00 am

The Associated Press

JOLIET, Ill. (AP) - Kyle Larson posted the top speed of 183.299 mph in the final practice session Saturday for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup opener at Chicagoland Speedway.

Larson is one of four drivers who have qualified for the 10-race playoff for the first time. He'll start 10th in Sunday's race at the 1.5-mile oval.

Rookie Chase Elliott and top-seed and pole-sitter Kyle Busch were the next two fastest, followed by Carl Edwards and Kurt Busch. Chase qualifiers had the seven fastest laps.

Rain on Friday forced cancellation of qualifying, so all 16 Chase drivers will start from the front of the field.

Larson was also fastest in Saturday's early practice that produced faster speeds under cooler conditions. Jimmie Johnson had the fastest car in Friday's lone practice and posted the best 10-lap average Saturday.

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