Two NASCAR Nationwide Series practice sessions for Saturday's Sam's Town 300 started the activities at the 1.5-mile Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Thursday.

Carl Edwards led the opening practice with a top speed of 177.819 mph followed by Kyle Busch's lap of 177.299 mph. Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. placed third on the speed chart at 176.835 mph. Denny Hamlin and Trevor Bayne completed the top-five.

Phoenix winner Kyle Busch had the fastest lap at 178.094 mph in the afternoon session. Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. was second with his best lap of 177.177 mph. Mark Martin, Carl Edwards and Denny Hamlin were third through fifth.

29 cars took to the track for the first practice and 36 cars participated in the second session.

Nationwide drivers have two more practices on Friday morning before qualifying Saturday morning. The Sam's Town 300 is set for a 3 p.m. ET start on Saturday.

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