Kurt Busch tops final Cup practice at Sonoma

Kurt Busch was fastest in final Cup Series practice at Sonoma Raceway with a lap of 94.061mph.

Busch and Denny Hamlin, who was second quickest, were the only two drivers to hit the 94mph mark. Hamlin’s fastest lap clocked in at 94.012mph.

Results

Completing the top five were Martin Truex Jr. (93.718mph), Jamie McMurray (93.549mph) and Kevin Harvick (93.441mph). Harvick is the defending race winner. Truex, meanwhile, suffered some nose damage to his No.78 Toyota when he ran into the back of Darrell Wallace Jr. during the session.

Chris Buescher (93.413mph), Brad Keselowski (93.361mph), Trevor Bayne (93.279mph), Aric Almirola (93.199mph), and Michael McDowell (93.155mph) filled out the top 10.

There was one caution during the 1 hour, 15-minute session. Last year’s pole-sitter, the No.42 of Kyle Larson, trailed enough smoke that NASCAR officials wanted to look over the track. Larson’s Chip Ganassi Racing team addressed the issues and got him back on track.

Larson wound up 14th in the session.

At the same time as Larson’s issues, smoke was also pouring out of the left rear of William Byron’s car. According to Fox Sports, the No.24 team had changed axles during the day’s practice sessions, and something had not been sealed properly.

Byron was 25th on the speed chart.

NEXT: Qualifying at 2:45 p.m. ET Saturday.