Logano, Gordon lead opening Martinsville practice

Logano, who will attempt to be the first driver to score four consecutive victories since Jimmie Johnson pulled off the feat in 2007, posted a lap of 98.826 mph after 33 laps at Martinsville Speedway.

He made it clear on Friday morning that his goal was to repeat his qualifying effort in the spring — by earning the pole — and the first pit box for Sunday’sGoody’s 500. 

“I was re-watching the race last night and we were able to start first here in the spring and just to see the advantage you get on pit road on exit there for multiple reasons, there are a lot of reasons that pit stall is good this week, so qualifying here is very important,” Logano said. 

Gordon P2

After Jeff Gordon declared the No. 24 Chevy was “not even close” the team made adjustments to the car and he jumped to second on the speed chart (96.364 mph) — initially knocking Brad Keselowski’s Blue Deuce from atop the speed chart — where it sat for the first hour of practice.

“Good job guys,” Gordon said. “Much better.”

The Chevys of Kevin Harvick (98.328 mph), Casey Mears (98.195 mph), Kasey Kahne (98.195 mph) and Jamie McMurray (98.195 mph) established the fourth through seventh fastest speeds followed by the Toyotas of Kyle Busch (98.190 mph), Clint Bowyer (98.190 mph) and Matt Kenseth (98.139 mph).

Chase drivers outside of the top 10 included Martin Truex Jr. (13th) and Kurt Busch (22nd), who won here last year.

The driver with the Best 10 Consecutive Lap Average was Harvick (95.762 mph) followed by Kyle Busch, Jeff Gordon, AJ Allmendinger and Justin Allgaier. 

Kyle Larson, who did not compete here in the spring after collapsing on during a fan appearance, ran 48 laps -- the most of the 43 drivers.

Before the 10 minute mark, practice was halted for debris on the backstretch.

Allmendinger was 20th quick (97.714 mph) in single lap speed despite slapping the wall on his first run and damaging the right rear fender and side skirt on the No. 47 Chevy.

CLICK HERE for complete practice results