Michael McDowell fastest in first NASCAR Cup Series practice session in Mexico City

In the first NASCAR Cup Series practice session ever held at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Michael McDowell paced the field. 

The 2021 Daytona 500 champion laid down a lap of 94.024 seconds to lead the Cup Series field in a 50-minute practice session on Friday afternoon. 

Chase Briscoe, Ty Gibbs, Austin Cindric and Kyle Larson rounded out the top five, with Chris Buescher, Joey Logano, Ross Chastain, Shane van Gisbergen and Todd Gilliland completing the top 10. 

Other notable practice results include Daniel Suarez in 12th, Christopher Bell in 13th, Kyle Busch in 15th, Chase Elliott in 16th and Ryan Blaney in 22nd. 

Ryan Truex, who is subbing for Denny Hamlin following the birth of Hamlin's son, was 36th-fastest, while Katherine Legge was the slowest of 37 cars in the session. 

Ross Chastain and Trackhouse Racing were a shorthanded crew during the session, as travel delays prevented several crew members, including spotter Brandon McReynolds, from being at the track in time for practice. That pressed NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Connor Zilisch into action as Chastain's spotter. Chastain was eighth-fastest in the session. 

Final practice is coming up at 5:30 p.m. ET, with coverage on Prime Video and MRN. Cup Series qualifying will take place on Saturday, with Sunday's Viva Mexico 250 going green shortly after 3 p.m. ET.