Kyle Larson seized the fastest time in the Anduril 250 practice on June 20, clocking a 2 minute 16.588‑second lap around the 3.4‑mile Naval Base Coronado street circuit. The Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet No. 5 put him 0.293 seconds ahead of Todd Gilliland, setting the benchmark for the weekend’s inaugural NASCAR Cup event at the new venue.
How did Larson achieve the top spot?
Larson’s lap came early in the session, giving him a mental edge as the field adjusted to the unfamiliar street layout. His smooth entry into the tight Turn 1 and precise throttle control through the sweeping back‑stretch allowed him to maintain high average speed without sacrificing grip. The No. 5 car’s setup, tuned for the bumpy concrete surface, proved superior to rivals who struggled with the course’s uneven cambers.
Who else stood out in practice?
Todd Gilliland, driving the No. 34 Toyota for Tricon Garage, posted the second‑fastest time, just shy of Larson’s mark. Ty Gibbs (No. 54) rounded out the top three, while Connor Zilisch (No. 88) and Carson Hocevar (No. 77) completed the top five. Shane van Gisbergen, a fan favorite expected to dominate Sunday’s race, managed only the eighth‑fastest lap, suggesting the street course may level the playing field.
What does this mean for the upcoming race?
Starting at the front of the grid gives Larson a strategic advantage on a track where overtaking is limited. The Anduril 250’s 250‑kilometer distance will test tire wear and fuel strategy, but a strong practice performance often translates to a solid qualifying run. If Larson can replicate his speed in qualifying, Hendrick Motorsports could control the early pace and force competitors into reactive strategies.
Any notable storylines beyond Larson?
Kevin Magnussen, the former Formula 1 driver, made his NASCAR Cup debut, posting a 29th‑fastest lap in the No. 91 Trackhouse Chevrolet. Christopher Bell, racing with a fractured left wrist, struggled to find pace, finishing 36th. Young talent Brent Crews, the 18‑year‑old O’Reilly Auto Parts Series driver, ran four laps near the session’s end and nearly matched Bell’s best time, trailing by just 0.050 seconds.
What’s next for the field?
Qualifying for the Anduril 250 is set for Saturday, June 20, at 2:30 PM ET, streamed live on Prime Video. The race itself will follow on Sunday at 4:00 PM ET, also on Prime. Fans can expect a tight showdown as drivers adapt to the street circuit’s demands, with Larson positioned as the early favorite.
How did the rest of the field perform?
The practice results list a full field of 40 cars, with Alex Bowman (No. 10) in 10th, Denny Hamlin (No. 11) in 14th, and William Byron (No. 15) in 15th. Veteran Jimmie Johnson (No. 84) posted the 39th‑fastest time, highlighting the challenges even seasoned drivers face on this new track.