Roush Fenway's Carl Edwards paces first Nationwide practice at Phoenix
AVONDALE, Ariz. - Roush Fenway Racing's Carl Edwards, who is second in the NASCAR Nationwide Series standings, led the series’ opening practice Friday at Phoenix International Raceway.
Edwards posted a best lap of 131.038 mph. He was followed by CJM Racing's Mike Bliss at 130.719 mph.
Joe Gibbs Racing's Denny Hamlin, Penske Racing's Justin Allgaier and Roush Fenway Racing's Matt Kenseth followed in the top five.
Edwards trails points leader Kyle Busch by 247 points entering Saturday's Able Body Labor 200. Busch was sixth fastest in Friday's opening session in his Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. Roush Fenway's David Ragan, Kevin Harvick Inc.'s Kevin Harvick, Yates Racing's Paul Menard and Rusty Wallace Racing's Steve Wallace rounded out the top 10.
The Nationwide teams return to the track for practice at 3:35 p.m. EST today. Nationwide qualifying is scheduled for 12:05 p.m. Saturday, with the race to follow at 4:30 p.m.
