Busch leads opening Pocono practice

Kyle Busch continues to lead the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series field, this time in the opening practice session at Pocono Raceway.

Coming off a dominating win last weekend, Busch led an abbreviated session Friday morning with a lap of 176.939mph. Second fastest was Alex Bowman at 175.490mph.

Completing the top five were Clint Bowyer (175.486mph), Kyle Larson (175.452mph), and Kevin Harvick (175.278mph).

The rest of the top 10 were Kurt Busch (175.176mph), Denny Hamlin (175.043mph), defending race winner Ryan Blaney (174.863mph), Paul Menard (174.700mph), and Martin Truex Jr. (174.618 mph).

Teams received approximately 40 minutes of practice after the track needed extensive preparation following overnight rain. The session had been slated for 50 minutes. That is the only practice time set for Friday, with qualifying taking place later in the afternoon.

There were no incidents during the session.

Three drivers served 15-minute penalties for failing pre-race inspection twice last week -- Truex Jr., Jimmie Johnson, and Ross Chastain. Johnson was 28th fastest and Chastain 33rd.