Byron fastest in Cup Series practice at Pocono

William Byron was fastest in Saturday’s NASCAR Cup Series practice at Pocono Raceway.

Byron and the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports team, who also lead the championship point standings, clocked in at 170.759mph (52.706s), set during Byron’s second lap on track.

Bubba Wallace was the second fastest at 170.033mph, Chase Elliott third at 169.885mph, Tyler Reddick fourth at 169.766mph, Chris Buescher fifth at 169.667mph, Michael McDowell sixth at 169.584mph, Austin Cindric seventh at 169.479mph and Ryan Blaney eighth at 169.418mph. Blaney is the defending winner at Pocono.

Alex Bowman was ninth fastest at 169.081mph and Brad Keselowski rounded out the top 10 at 169.989mph.

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Christopher Bell ran just four laps. His Joe Gibbs Racing team had to work through a power steering issue before he could leave pit road with a few minutes remaining. Bell clocked in 13th fastest overall.

Seven-time winner at Pocono Raceway, Denny Hamlin, was 27th fastest in his return to his Joe Gibbs Racing car after missing the Mexico City event because of the birth of his son.

Josh Berry only clocked in five laps during practice before going to the garage. Wood Brothers Racing found an issue with the diffuser and the repairs needed will keep them off the racetrack for the remainder of Saturday.

There was one on-track incident – Cody Ware spun in Turn 3 early in the session and hit the outside wall with the rear of his Ford Mustang. His team is working to make repairs, so he will not make a qualifying lap.

There are 37 teams entered at Pocono Raceway. Brennan Poole is driving the Open entry for the NY Racing Team.