In the first practice at Talladega Super Speedway, Dale Earnhardt, Junior suffered an engine problem in the first eight laps.  He had to exit the speedway and the crew quickly changed the engine to be ready for the second practice (see previous article for details).

Yet, unbelievably, nine minutes into the second practice session, trouble struck yet again when the right rear tire exploded on the number 88 machine.  Junior's car was severely damaged, with almost the entire rear blowing off.

Also collected in the accident was David Gilliland, who was drafting with Junior, and just had no where to go.  Tony Stewart and Kasey Kahne also suffered damage from the impact.

After a ride to the infield car center, Dale Earnhardt, Junior will try to make some laps in the back up car.

Has Junior gotten all of his bad luck out of the way before the race?  Only time will tell in these most eventful practice sessions at Talladega.

 

Photo Credit David Yeazell.