Michael McDowell surprised onlookers Thursday afternoon at Daytona International Speedway by posting the fastest lap, 184.234 mph, in Nationwide Series Happy Hour practice.

Ryan Newman's lap at 183.647 mph was the second fastest, followed by  Steve Wallace, Robert Richardson, Jr. and Kevin LePage.

Brian Scott Parker Kligerman Clint Bowyer David Starr and Ken Schrader completed the top-10 in the final practice for nationwide Series drivers.

Reed Sorenson led the first practice of the weekend, held Wednesday, touring the 2.5-mile track at 188.111 mph. Kevin Harvick recorded a lap at 187.477 mph to top Thursday's first practice session.

NASCAR Nationwide Series qualifying is set to begin at 1:05 pm ET Friday afternoon. The Subway Jalapeno 250 is Friday night at 8 pm ET.

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