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IndyCar
INDYCAR: Andretti Scores Pole For Fontana Finale
Marco Andretti delivered the goods for his family-owned team in qualifying Friday at Auto Club Speedway, posting a 216.0 mph average in 103-degree weather.
If you put your money on Marco Andretti to claim pole at Fontana, you were the winner after the third-generation driver topped the 26-car field. (Photo: Marshall Pruett)
Andretti Autosport's Marco Andretti delivered the goods for his family-owned team in qualifying Friday at Auto Club Speedway, posting a 216.0 mph average in 103-degree weather.
The 25-year-old American made a significant improvement from the first practice session where he set the eight-fastest lap, and after his pole run, said he waited to show his cards during time trials.
"The first lap was great," said the two-time IndyCar Series race winner. "We didn't show it in practice because I didn't want to stick it in the wall during practice. That's what you have to do: you have to risk sticking it in the wall to go flat-out.
"We got it flat on the first lap, but there was a big understeer on the second lap. We had a bit of a wiggle, which concerned me because we left a little on the table. We just went for it."
Team Penske's Ryan Briscoe, who reached 217.5 mph in practice, had to settle for second with a 216.0 mph qualifying average.
“I had confidence coming into qualifying," said the recent winner of the Sonoma race. "The car’s been strong. Pretty happy with that—to be starting at the front. 500 miles is going to be exciting."
Briscoe's Penske teammate, championship leader Will Power, will start third, and wasn't fazed by missing out on the point for pole or the pressure that comes from being within a day of earning his first IndyCar title.
“Everything’s fine for me," he said. "I’ve been in this situation the last two years in a row. Either you’re going to be champion or you’re not.”
PHOTOS: Click Here or on the image below to view INDYCAR: Fontana Season Finale 2012
With Chevy-powered drivers taking the top 3 spots, Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing's Josef Newgarden impressed once again as the first Honda representative in fourth.
“I really wish we could have been a little bit better," said the rookie from Tennessee. "Maybe we could have trimmed out some more."
Target Chip Ganassi Racing's Scott Dixon completed the top 5.
Of those who punched above or below their weight, the drivers in six through ninth--Alex Tagliani, Tony Kanaan, JR Hildebrand and Ed Carpenter--came away happy with their performances, as did Katherine Legge who qualified 14th for Dragon Racing.
Ryan Hunter-Reay and Dario Franchitti were two of the least satisfied drivers in qualifying. hunter-Reay, who's in the hunt for his first championship, set the 17th-fastest average speed while Franchitti, who was the first driver to venture out during single-car qualifying, settled for 19th.
For the American, an ill-handling car required him to lift more than expected in the corners, souring his chances at scoring the point for pole position he desperately needed.
The 25-year-old American made a significant improvement from the first practice session where he set the eight-fastest lap, and after his pole run, said he waited to show his cards during time trials.
"The first lap was great," said the two-time IndyCar Series race winner. "We didn't show it in practice because I didn't want to stick it in the wall during practice. That's what you have to do: you have to risk sticking it in the wall to go flat-out.
"We got it flat on the first lap, but there was a big understeer on the second lap. We had a bit of a wiggle, which concerned me because we left a little on the table. We just went for it."
Team Penske's Ryan Briscoe, who reached 217.5 mph in practice, had to settle for second with a 216.0 mph qualifying average.
“I had confidence coming into qualifying," said the recent winner of the Sonoma race. "The car’s been strong. Pretty happy with that—to be starting at the front. 500 miles is going to be exciting."
Briscoe's Penske teammate, championship leader Will Power, will start third, and wasn't fazed by missing out on the point for pole or the pressure that comes from being within a day of earning his first IndyCar title.
“Everything’s fine for me," he said. "I’ve been in this situation the last two years in a row. Either you’re going to be champion or you’re not.”
PHOTOS: Click Here or on the image below to view INDYCAR: Fontana Season Finale 2012
With Chevy-powered drivers taking the top 3 spots, Sarah Fisher Hartman Racing's Josef Newgarden impressed once again as the first Honda representative in fourth.
“I really wish we could have been a little bit better," said the rookie from Tennessee. "Maybe we could have trimmed out some more."
Target Chip Ganassi Racing's Scott Dixon completed the top 5.
Of those who punched above or below their weight, the drivers in six through ninth--Alex Tagliani, Tony Kanaan, JR Hildebrand and Ed Carpenter--came away happy with their performances, as did Katherine Legge who qualified 14th for Dragon Racing.
Ryan Hunter-Reay and Dario Franchitti were two of the least satisfied drivers in qualifying. hunter-Reay, who's in the hunt for his first championship, set the 17th-fastest average speed while Franchitti, who was the first driver to venture out during single-car qualifying, settled for 19th.
For the American, an ill-handling car required him to lift more than expected in the corners, souring his chances at scoring the point for pole position he desperately needed.
2013 INDY 500 Practice
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