Truck Series teams post fast first practice times

WEST ALLIS, Wisc. -- The first practice for the GNC Live Well 200 at the Milwaukee Mile for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series revealed some very close times.

The Milwaukee Mile

The first two-hour session had Coy Gibbs leading the way in the No. 20 MBNA Chevrolet with a speed of 119.225 (30.195 sec). Twenty-one markers down the speed chart of 31 drivers that practiced was Jason Small with a time of 30.964 sec.

Although it may be about nine-tenths off the fast pace, it transfers to a speed of 116.193 mph.

This is part of the reason that the famed one-mile oval located on the grounds of the Wisconsin State Fair Park has been a tough one for so many drivers. Since the series debuted here in 1995, no driver or team owner has made a repeat trip to Victory Lane.

Adding to the track's challenges was an 83-degree day that forced some drivers had to make several adjustments during practice to compensate for the heat in the air and on the track.

Several teams were seen taking tape off the grills to allow more air into the engine compartment. Track bar and sway bar adjustments were also being made up and down pit road by teams.

Qualifying for the ninth NCTS race of the season gets underway at 4 p.m. ET with Happy Hour immediately after the starting lineup is determined.