Practice sessions are always important, but Friday's practices at Phoenix International Raceway took on an extra importance. With the changes to the track layout and surface following the February race, drivers and teams had no idea of what to expect, especially in race-like conditions. As a result, fantasy owners will want to put even more stock into the practice times this weekend because past results may not be an accurate indicator of what to expect Sunday.

One driver that seemed to like the new surface was Jeff Burton, who topped the charts in the opening practice. He won a pair of races at Phoenix on the old configuration, and he does have some momentum on his side. He flirted with a fuel mileage win last weekend at Texas and has a pair of top-10 finishes in the three races leading up to PIR. Burton could be a solid play for owners.

He was followed by Roush Fenway Racing teammates Matt Kenseth and David Ragan. Neither driver was great on the old track configuration, but a change of scenery could be just what the two needed. Given his better record at short tracks, Kenseth is probably the better fantasy play of the two.

Paul Menard and Ryan Newman rounded out the top five, and Newman has to get the nod as the smarter option. Menard never even cracked the top 15 on the old configuration, and while he may improve on the new surface, it is asking a lot for him to suddenly become a fantasy force. Meanwhile, Newman has finished in the top five in three straight starts at the track, and he showed no signs of slowing up in the opening practice.

In terms of 10-lap average speed, some big names rose to the top of the charts. Championship contenders Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards led the way, followed by Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson. Stewart and Edwards have been the class of the field during the Chase and warrant weekly consideration. Gordon is going for a season sweep at Phoenix, and Johnson a four-time winner at the track. All four deserve a spot on fantasy rosters this weekend.

Menard continued his surprising afternoon in Happy Hour, topping the charts. His horrible career record isn't comforting, but given the track changes and his practice times, he does have some value as a sleeper pick. He was followed by Edwards, who is anything but a sleeper this weekend. Edwards won at PIR last fall, and is averaging a top-five finish in the Chase.

Regan Smith, Brian Vickers and Kyle Busch rounded out the top five, and Vickers and Busch are the two most attractive options. Vickers had a top-10 car at PIR earlier this year before getting caught up on a wreck. Busch finished second in the February race and is a former winner at the track. He will be starting at the rear of the field because of an engine change and has the drama surrounding his suspension at Texas, but at the end of the day, Busch gets the job done on the track more often than not.

Kasey Kahne led the way in terms of 10-lap average speed, and given his performance in recent weeks, fantasy owners have to consider riding the hot hand. Kenseth and Stewart continued strong afternoons, ranking second and third. Greg Biffle and Jamie McMurray rounded out the top five.

Overall, it appears that Roush Fenway Racing and Stewart-Haas Racing have the best handle on the layout. However, that should come as little surprise considering the performance of Edwards and Stewart throughout the Chase. These two organizations have the best equipment on the track right now, and it probably won't change in the final two weeks. Guys like Gordon, Johnson and Kahne are strong options as well, but owners will want to seriously consider riding Edwards, Stewart and their teammates the rest of the way.

Happy Hour Speeds (sorted by Avg. Speed)

Rk indicates Best Lap standing

10-Lap Average Speeds (must run 10 consecutive laps)

First Practice Speeds (sorted by Avg. Speed)

Rk indicates Best Lap standing

10-Lap Average Speeds (must run 10 consecutive laps)

Combined Average Speeds (weighted by # of laps run in each session)