Teams take one-two crunches in practices

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The first official day of NASCAR practice also produced the first official wreck of the season – and then the second one.

Near the end of Thursday’s first Budweiser Shootout practice session, Denny Hamlin hit Mark Martin's car from behind. And, as it usually goes at Daytona International speedway and Talladega Superspeedway, many others were caught up in the incident.

Seven cars became involved and several others were sent scattering into the infield grass. Five teams immediately brought out backup cars: those of Hamlin, Martin, Jamie McMurray, Greg Biffle and Kevin Harvick.

"Probably a case of both of us anticipating something where it caused a flash," said Martin. "I saw him look for the outside and, you know, it was practice, no reason to put the squeeze on him.

"I made an effort to give him a lane. I think at the same time, he decided it wasn't worth pushing it. So he decided to get in behind and that caused us to come together."

Less than three minutes into Thursday night's practice session drivers Juan Pablo Montoya and Kurt Busch wrecked. Busch will use a backup car.

While Harvick's car was involved in the wreck, the driver wasn’t. He remained at his home late Thursday, suffering flu-like symptoms.

Richard Childress Racing teammate Clint Bowyer drove in the first session and Jeff Burton took out the backup car in the second.

Harvick’s crew chief, Gil Martin, attended the Thursday night Shootout draw party, at which starting positions for Saturday night's race were determined.

Burton was fastest in Thursday's first practice. Kasey Kahne led the later round.