Ross Chastain leads NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series practice at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Ross Chastain posted the fastest lap Friday as NASCAR’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series opened its weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Chastain, a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver competing in both races this weekend, led the field with an average speed of 168 mph.

O’Reilly Auto Parts Series regular Justin Allgaier finished second in practice, followed by Carson Kvapil, Sam Mayer and Cup Series champion Chase Elliott.

Chastain said he was encouraged by the speed in both his O’Reilly Series and Cup Series cars as he prepares to pull double duty at the historic track.

“That was a great day for me. I’ve been coming to Indy and struggling for years and even just for practice today for both cars, I feel like I executed well in the O’Reilly car getting on track,” Chastain said. “Phill bell gave me a piece that can go fast.”

The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will qualify at noon Saturday. The green flag for the race is scheduled to wave shortly after 4 p.m.