Larson tops MIS practice as Bell subs for Hamlin

Christopher Bell experienced his first laps in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series on Saturday morning at Michigan International Speedway. The 21-year-old Truck Series competitor ran 20 laps in the No. 11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing. Bell is on standby this weekend for Denny Hamlin, who is expecting the birth of his second child. Bell's fastest lap eclipsed 193 mph.

Kyle Larson (pictured) was fastest in the session at 202.532 mph. Not only is Larson the defending winner of the Pure Michigan 400, he will seek his third straight Michigan victory Sunday from the ninth position.

Polesitter Brad Keselowski was second fastest with a lap of 202.332 mph. Jimmie Johnson was third fastest at 202.301 mph. Ryan Blaney was fourth fastest at 202.003 mph and Chase Elliott rounded out the top five with a lap of 201.884 mph.

The rest of the top 10 were Dale Earnhardt Jr. (201.511 mph); Erik Jones (201.387 mph); Kyle Busch and Kurt Busch (201.376 mph), and Martin Truex Jr. (201.320 mph).

Hamlin's fastest lap was good enough to be 15th on the speed chart at 200.630 mph.

UP NEXT: Final practice at 11:30 a.m. ET.