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Speeds Top 200 MPH At Daytona Test Session

Daytona Preseason Thunder - Day 2
Trevor Bayne, driver of the #21 Motorcraft / Quick Lane Ford leads a group of cars during Daytona Preseason Thunder at Daytona International Speedway on January 13, 2012 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR)

DAYTONA BEACH (AP) - NASCAR is making gains toward breaking up the two-car tandem racing that's taken over at Daytona and Talladega.

But the fix sent speeds soaring over 200 mph in Friday's test session at Daytona International Speedway.

Kurt Busch posted the fastest lap of the day at 206.058 mph. But he was being pushed around Daytona in a two-car tandem by Regan Smith. Kyle Busch was clocked at 205.813 while pack racing.

NASCAR has traditionally shied away from the 200 mph mark, and four-time series champion Jeff Gordon said he approached series officials about the speeds because he was certain the cars would be slowed.

Gordon said he was surprised when NASCAR indicated it was comfortable over 200 mph.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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