RCR's Stephen Leicht paces final Nationwide practice at Iowa
Richard Childress Racing's Stephen Leicht is making one of several select starts in the 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series season this weekend at Iowa Speedway.
// David Griffin, NASCAR Scene
NEWTON, Iowa – Richard Childress Racing driver Stephen Leicht was one of several drivers who had never raced on Iowa Speedway before this weekend’s inaugural U.S. Cellular 250 NASCAR Nationwide Series race.
But Leicht proved he could adapt quickly to the 7/8ths-mile track, posting the fastest speed in Friday’s final practice for Saturday’s 250-lap race.
Leicht went 134.598 mph in the No. 29 Chevrolet, edging Roush Fenway Racing driver Erik Darnell for the top spot. Darnell went 134.483 mph in the No. 6 Ford.
Steve Wallace was third at 134.191 in the No. 66 Rusty Wallace Racing Chevrolet, with Scott Wimmer fourth in the No. 5 JR Motorsports Chevrolet. Wimmer was driving a backup car after crashing in Friday’s first practice.
Leicht’s teammate, Austin Dillon, was fifth.
Sixth through 10th were Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (Roush Fenway), Brian Ickler (Braun Racing), Trevor Bayne (Michael Waltrip Racing), Jeremy Clements (driving Joe Gibbs Racing’s Toyota for Kyle Busch) and Brad Coleman (JGR).
Qualifying is slated for 1:05 p.m. EDT Saturday, with the race scheduled for shortly after 4:30 p.m.
