MILLINGTON, Tenn. –Â Kody Swanson used Friday’s USAC Silver Crown Champ Car Series practice session at Memphis Int’l Raceway to get acquainted with his new ride in the Nolen Racing No. 20.
Despite having to pull one car apart and utilizing both of their machines on hand throughout the four-hour session, the four-time Silver Crown champ found his way to the top once again. With less than a half-hour left in the session, the Kingsburg, Calif., native laid down a lap of 21.039 seconds around the three-quarter-mile D-shaped paved track to set the mark.
Bobby Santos, who’s captured victory in the pavement season opener in each of the previous two seasons, was second at 21.188, setting the time during the final minute of the session.
Chris Windom, the 2016 series champ, was third at 21.237, ahead of David Byrne (21.303) and Aaron Pierce (21.307). Justin Grant, Eric Gordon, Austin Nemire, Kyle Hamilton and C.J. Leary completed the top-10 with 23 drivers hitting the track.
Swanson led all drivers with 94 laps completed. Rookie Joey Schmidt ran 90 and Mike Haggenbottom completed 77.
The USAC Silver Crown Champ Car Series Memphis 100 is scheduled for Saturday at Memphis Int’l Raceway.