The two first free practice sessions of the NAPA Auto Parts NASCAR Nationwide race were held Friday morning on the Gilles Villeneuve circuit in Montreal.

Michael McDowell clinched the fastest time in the first practice session, setting a time of 1m41.122 in the No. 18 Toyota.

McDowell beat former Formula 1 World Champion, Canadian Jacques Villeneuve and his Penske Racing teammate, Sam Hornish Jr.

The session was halted by several red flags.

Australian Owen Kelly, driving the No. 54 Toyota of Kyle Busch (also racing in the Sprint Cup in Michigan this weekend) finished fourth overall ahead of former race winner, Canadian Ron Fellows, IndyCar regular Alex Tagliani and Billy Johnson who drives the No. 60 Ford of Carl Edwards.

GoDaddy girl Danica Patrick ranked eighth. Two-time NASCAR Canadian Tire series' champion Andrew Ranger, in the No. 27 Dodge finished in 10th place while Patrick Carpentier, in the No. 99 RAB Racing Toyota, was 12th.

After a short break, the Nationwide cars returned to the track. This time, Villeneuve set the fastest time in 1m40.653. His fellow countryman Alex Tagliani took second place, just 0.272 seconds behind.

Billy Johnson was third ahead of Danica Patrick, at ease on this road course. Michael McDowell ranked fifth, bating Ron Fellows, Sam Horish Jr., Patrick Carpentier and Brendan Gaughan. The top 6 drivers qualified within a second.