McDowell tops opening Cup Series practice in Mexico City

Michael McDowell was fastest in opening NASCAR Cup Series practice Friday in Mexico City as the series prepares for its inaugural event at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit.

McDowell topped the board at 92.657mph (90.024s). The Spire Motorsports driver ran 19 laps in the 50-minute session.

Since Mexico City is a new circuit for the Cup Series, there will be a second practice later in the afternoon.

Chase Briscoe was second fastest at 92.547mph, Ty Gibbs was third at 92.542mph, Austin Cindric was fourth at 92.528mph and Kyle Larson completed the top five at 92.427mph.

Chris Buescher was sixth (92.427mph), Joey Logano seventh (92.401mph), Ross Chastain eighth (92.349mph), Shane van Gisbergen ninth (92.330mph) and Todd Gilliland 10th (92.276 mph).

Local hero Daniel Suarez was 12th.

Multiple drivers missed corners, locked up the brakes or had solo spins, but two had more significant incidents. Carson Hocevar got loose and slid off the track in Turn 11, damaging his Chevrolet. Noah Gragson damaged his Ford when he hit the wall going into Turn 4.

There are 37 teams entered in the Mexico City event. Katherine Legge, in the Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet, is the sole Open entry.

NEXT: Cup Series final practice at 5:30 p.m. ET.