CUP: Speeds Still Sizzling At Michigan

Sprint Cup

CUP: Speeds Still Sizzling At Michigan

Tony Stewart runs 201.896 mph to lead second test session at MIS...

Mike Hembree | Posted June 14, 2012 Brooklyn, MI

Tony Stewart showed the way in Thursday's second round of Sprint Cup testing at Michigan International Speedway as speeds soared to nearly 202 mph. (Photo: Getty Images)

Speeds keep climbing on Michigan International Speedway’s new surface.

In the final minutes of Thursday afternoon’s three-hour test session, Tony Stewart scored the fastest speed of the day – 201.896 miles per hour.

In the morning session, Mark Martin led the way at 201.089.

Seven drivers crossed the 200 barrier in the afternoon (after four did so in the morning session).

Following Stewart were Greg Biffle (201.556), Kurt Busch (201.174), Kevin Harvick (200.697), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (200.658), Paul Menard (200.111) and Clint Bowyer (200.078).

NASCAR and track officials say they aren’t concerned about the elevated speeds and plan no changes prior to racetime.

Practice sessions for Sunday’s Quicken Loans 400 are scheduled at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. ET Friday. Both sessions will be broadcast live on SPEED.

Mike Hembree is NASCAR Editor for SPEED.com and has been covering motorsports for 30 years. He is a six-time winner of the National Motorsports Press Association Writer of the Year Award.

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Mike Hembree

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