msrpk.com blog

"Dario Franchitti leads Ganassi Crew to Richmond IndyCar Front Row"

In 2008, Franchitti was in the midst of his NASCAR attempt. The last time he raced here in 2007, the race distance was 250 laps. Fast Forward to Peak Performance Pole Day today:

After the practice, Franchitti's crew and that of teammate Scott Dixon went into a skull session to see if more speed could be found. Dixon's crew adapted Franchitti's set up to their Target Dallara. Franchitti says his car was a bit tight going into turn two, and more than rather loose going out of turn four. Conventional racing wisdom says one has to "hang it out" for a quick lap. Franchitti's average speed of 167.315 miles an hour for the four qualifying laps won the pole--and the point that goes with it. Dixon's average was 166.638 miles an hour.

An all Penske second row of Helio Castroneves, 3rd, and series point leader Ryan Briscoe 4th. Graham Rahal starts 5th.

The most important half hour they will spend is the final night practice under the lights--that will be the closest they will come to in race conditions until tomorrow night.

Catch you on race day.