Kenseth leads opening Pocono practice

Matt Kenseth topped the first of two Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series practices set Saturday at Pocono Raceway.

The first 55-minute session in preparation of the Overton's 400 saw Kenseth put up a lap of 176.077 mph late in the going. Kenseth is the August 2015 winner at Pocono. He enters this weekend still looking for his victory of the season.

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Kyle Larson was second fastest at 175.957 mph with Furniture Row Racing rookie Erik Jones third fastest at 175.415 mph. Kyle Busch was fourth fastest at 175.360 mph and defending race winner Chris Buescher was completed the top five at 174.774 mph.

The rest of the top 10 were rookie Daniel Suarez (174.598 mph); Martin Truex Jr. (174.574 mph); June Pocono winner Ryan Blaney (174.527 mph); Ryan Newman (174.277 mph); and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (174.081 mph).

Last weekend's winner at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Kasey Kahne, was 22nd fastest at 172.911 mph.

The session was stopped just once for a spin by the No. 83 off Turn 1. Stephen Leicht is driving the car this weekend for BK Racing in what will be his 18th career start and first since 2012.

UP NEXT: Final Monster Energy Series practice at 11:30 a.m.