19 cars qualified so far
source:
irl.racing-live.com
Midway thru the first day of qualifications for the
2005 Indianapolis 500, Andretti Green Racing driver Tony Kanaan held the
provisional pole with 19 cars qualified.
Kanaan, who was the third driver out to qualify, turned four laps over 227 mph
for an average of 227.566. "We made a couple of adjustments to pick up more
downforce so we'd have more grip around the track. I'm pleased with my run. I
think I pushed too hard too soon, but I am pleased with the run," Kanaan said.
Scott Sharp, with Fernandez Racing, was the first qualifier of the day and
started off with three laps over 227 mph, but dropped to 226.811 mph on his
fourth lap for an average of 227.126 mph, good right now for the middle of the
front row. "The speed that we're running, the car's pretty edgy. It's a bit of a
handful, so I don't think people are dying to do that again," Sharp said.
On the outside of the front row was Helio Castroneves, who also turned in three
laps over 227 mph before dropping to 226.735 mph on his fourth lap. Castroneves
is the fastest Toyota of the five qualifiers so far.
Danica Patrick of Rahal Letterman Racing, who had set the fastest time of the
morning practice, qualified inside of row two. Patrick nearly lost control of
her car in turn one on her first lap but was able to hold on, though her first
lap turned out to be a lap of only 224.920 mph. She followed that with three
consecutive laps over 227 miles per hour, including a lap of 227.860 mph, the
fastest lap turned in so for in qualifying this year. With the new qualifying
rules for the Indianapolis 500 it is possible that Patrick will return to the
track and try make another attempt at the pole.