Graham Rahal, No.02 McDonald’s Dallara/Honda/Firestone:
“The McDonald’s car felt pretty good but I had a big snap and a big moment on the last lap and our fourth lap time was three-tenths slower than the previous one. If that hadn’t happened I think we would have had pole. We sat on pole so many times this year that we are a little bit spoiled. At the end of the day the McDonald’s boys are doing a great job. Pretty much we showed up today exactly how we ended last year because we are pretty competitive. We worked on race trim in the morning and the car was pretty quick. We’re going to put on the set up we had for the race last year. The car was good but I made a mistake. If there was a race from last year that still bothers me it was this one. The McDonald’s boys practiced stops this morning. If I hit my marks, all our stops go well and get to the end we should be able to have a good finish and be a contender. We have a shot at it tomorrow.”
Fast Facts:
Will be his second race here.
Missed his first pole at Milwaukee last year by 2/10th of a second over a four lap average and started a career best second to Andretti in what was the first Andretti/Rahal front row since 1992 in Loudon, NH.
Ran between second and fourth until L130 when he drove over “marbles” and lost control of his car after trying to go around the slower car of Manning.
Retired in 25th place…Is ranked 11th in series points with 82.
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Robert Doornbos, No.06 Dallara/Honda/Firestone:
“We were a bit too risky on the gearing. Our gear was definitely too long and you don’t want to be shifting at this place. Unfortunately it didn’t work out. I go from one surprise to another on these ovals because they have all been different so far. I want to invite all my mates from Europe, in F1 or whatever series, to try this because it is so different from what I am used to. Every weekend is a new surprise. I got dizzy actually this morning after the first couple of laps. The car changes every lap in the race. I wish everyone had an on-board camera to show how much work we do on every lap during the race—especially here. I’m going to be a busy man in the race. People in the US love the oval racing and I am starting to enjoy it as well. We had a good run in Kansas. At this one, we have struggled a little bit more but we should be fine tomorrow in the race.”
Fast Facts:
This race will mark his 3rd oval race ever…Has competed against fellow ICS drivers Marco Andretti (A1GP), Danica Patrick (Formula Ford), Ryan Briscoe (F3) and E. J. Viso (F3000)…Is ranked 15th in series points with 69 and leads the Rookie of the Year standings.
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