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Michael McDowell fastest in first qualifying race practice

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500 - Practice

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 13: Michael McDowell, driver of the #59 Thirvent Financial Chevrolet, practices for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 13, 2016 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

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Sprint Cup teams are taking part in two practice sessions today to prepare for Thursday night’s Can-Am qualifying races at Daytona International Speedway.

Michael McDowell, one of eight drivers in “open” cars (teams without charters) was the fastest in the first practice session. He was the only driver to top 200 mph with a speed of 200.17 mph

The top five was rounded out by Trevor Bayne, Greg Biffle, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Casey Mears.

Daytona 500 pole-sitter Chase Elliott was eighth fastest (198.29).

During practice, NASCAR announced that Bayne and Biffle would both start at the rear of the field in their qualifying race for changing a rear gear.

Here’s the rest of the speed chart.

Can-Am qualifying race practice 1-page-001

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