UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Wheldon on pace for Indy Pole Day

Dixon heads practice for 500

Target Chip Ganassi’s Dan Wheldon remained in the top three on the speed chart again for Fast Friday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in preparation for the 91st running of the Indianapolis 500.

The 2005 Indy 500 champion, who has been fast all week in practice leading up to Pole Day qualifying Saturday, posted a quick lap of 226.650 miles per hour just behind teammate Scott Dixon’s 227.167 mph.

“We rolled out of the box pretty quick,” the Emberton resident said, “and I think some other (teams) took a little bit of time to catch us. But, there are good teams out there, so (qualifying) is going to be highly competitive. Today the Andretti Green cars of Tony (Kanaan) and Dario (Franchitti) put in some impressive laps, so they’re going to be factors.”

Wheldon has competed at Indy in four “500” races, but has never won the coveted pole position. His best start was 2nd in 2004.

“I’ve been very fortunate coming to Indianapolis in cars that can contend for the pole and contend for the race win,” Wheldon said. “I haven’t quite maximized an opportunity to get the pole here, and it’s something I feel like I have a genuine shot at. So, we’ll try and do that but it won’t detract us from our main focus on the race.”

Andretti Green Racing’s Tony Kanaan was third on the day’s speed chart with a fast lap of 226.236 mph.

Pole Day qualifying is Saturday, with the top 11 positions in the 33-car field available. The second round of qualifications, for spots 12 through 22, continues on Sunday. Final time trials are Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20.

Written: Sat, 12 May 2007 10:33:03