Talladega: Marcos Ambrose Friday practice notes

AMBROSE THIRD FASTEST IN BOTH PRACTICE SESSIONS AT TALLADEGA

Marcos Ambrose has made a terrific start to the Aaron's 312 at Talladega Superspeedway by posting the third fastest time in both practice sessions held today in Talladega, Alabama.

The Australian showed strong pace in the #59 Kingsford Hickory Ford Fusion around the 2.66-mile superspeedway, an encouraging sign ahead of tomorrow's qualifying.

Ambrose is coming off the back of his best ever NASCAR finish after claiming second place in Mexico City last weekend and is looking to continue that strong momentum into Talladega as he aims to leap into the top 10 in the NASCAR Nationwide Series points standings.

Steve Wallace and Jason Leffler topped today's two practice sessions. Qualifying will be held tomorrow before the Aaron's 312 is held on Saturday (Sunday morning Australian time).

Marcos Ambrose - #59 Kingsford Hickory Ford Fusion

"It's good to roll the car out of the hauler and be quick straight up," said Ambrose.

"We've got a lot of confidence from last weekend's result and the team is working great, so it's important that we keep that going.

"Practice speeds don't mean a lot at a place like Talladega. It's good to be at the top of the charts but having a strong race car in the last half of the race is the priority."

-credit: jtgr