Justin Hayley (IMS photo)
Justin Hayley (IMS photo)

Haley & Bell Set Indy Xfinity Pace

INDIANAPOLIS — Christopher Bell was the fastest driver during Friday’s first practice session for the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, while Justin Haley led the Friday afternoon practice.

Bell’s first-session speed of 168.218 mph in the No. 20 Toyota was faster than Brandon Jones’s lap of 168.215 mph in the No. 19 Toyota. Jones’ Joe Gibbs Racing teammate, Kyle Busch, was third at 167.782 mph in the No. 18 Toyota.

During the afternoon practice for Saturday’s eighth annual Indiana 250, Haley’s No. 11 Chevrolet was the fastest at 168.227 mph followed by Tyler Reddick’s Chevrolet at 168.199 mph and Brandon Jones’ Toyota at 168.196.

Jones was the most consistent driver over a 10-lap run with an average of 166.151 mph, followed by Bell at 165.934 mph. Austin Cindric was third best on a long run aboard his Team Penske Ford, while Busch was fourth, followed by Justin Allgaier in a JR Motorsports Chevrolet.

The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series cars will practice and qualify on Saturday with the Indiana 250 also on the docket.