Opening practice set the tone in a big way, with an impressive 64 entries filling the pits and bringing energy back to the track. From the moment engines fired, it was clear the drivers weren’t just shaking down equipment, they were dialing in every detail with opening day in mind.
But beyond the racing, the day carried something just as important, the return of the racing family. After a long winter, friendships were reunited all throughout the pits. It was especially great to see so many of the youth drivers catching up, reconnecting with friends they hadn’t seen in months, and picking up right where they left off. Between laps, you could find them laughing, sharing stories, and soaking in the excitement of being back at the track together.
Teams spent the day working through setups, testing lines, and getting a feel for their cars in race conditions. Every lap mattered. Whether it was veterans fine-tuning their programs or newcomers getting comfortable behind the wheel, the focus across the board was the same: be ready when the green flag drops this Saturday.
What stood out most wasn’t just the car count, it was the intent. Drivers came prepared, crews stayed busy, and adjustments were being made all day long. It’s the kind of preparation that separates a decent start from a strong one heading into a long season.
With opening day right around the corner, the momentum is already building. If practice was any indication, the competition is going to be tight, the fields are going to be stacked, and the 2026 season is shaping up to be one to watch.
Now, it’s all eyes on Saturday. The work has been put in now it is time to see who shows up ready.
