The Nationwide Series cars hit the track early this morning at the Atlanta Motor Speedway for an hour-long opening practice session for the Degree V12 300 later this evening. Taking the reins of the Braun Racing No. 32 Dollar General Toyota, Brian Vickers posted the fastest lap of the session with a fast-lap of 30.447 seconds at a speed of 182.087 mph.

Fellow Cup Series regular David Gilliland was second-quick in the morning session in his No. 42 Chip Ganassi-owned Dodge. Gilliland ran his fastest lap on his second lap around the speedway, putting the No. 42 on the board with a lap of 30.781 seconds at a speed of 180.111 mph. Kevin Harvick was third-fastest in his No. 33 Chevrolet, while Greg Biffle and Nationwide Series regular Justin Allgaier rounded out the top-5. Points leader Kyle Busch was sixth-fastest in his No. 18 NOS Energy Drink Toyota.

The man chasing Busch in the standings, Carl Edwards, was fourteenth fastest. Nursing a broken right foot, Edwards took twelve laps around the speedway in the first session and expected to run Saturday night’s race. Erik Darnell was originally planned to be on hand as Edwards’ relief driver, however after being tapped to make his first Sprint Cup Series start, Matt Kenseth was put on alert.

The Nationwide cars are currently on the track for their final practice of the day. Qualifying for tonight’s Degree V12 300 is scheduled for 2:40pm, with the night’s main event set for 7pm. Be sure to check back to HardcoreRaceFans.com for live updates from the Atlanta Motor Speedway all weekend long.

                  Degree V12 300 PRACTICE 1 RESULTS

                  Degree V12 300 FINAL PRACTICE RESULTS

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