IZOD IndyCar Series: Kentucky Indy 300

Topics:  Kentucky Indy 300

Scott Dixon
Dario Franchitti
October 1, 2011

SPARTA, KENTUCKY

THE MODERATOR: We've been joined by Dario Franchitti and Scott Dixon.
Dario, qualifying today, I understand you made some changes to the car before you went out there.
DARIO FRANCHITTI: We had to change the motor. The guys, I don't know if they had problems with telemetry but we let it get too hot this morning. It was a bit of a rush for the guys. The balance of the car was good in second practice and also very good in qualifying. Just got on the back straight and the thing didn't accelerate. Not sure what that was all about. Got on the front straight, it didn't accelerate either. Pretty upset with the qualifying. That's not what we need to be doing.
The good thing is being part of the Target team, we know we can rebound and we know we've got all the stuff to come back tomorrow.
I think we have a good racecar. It's good in traffic. After a number of laps, it's very consistent. Seemed fairly quick earlier. Hopefully that will be the case tomorrow.
THE MODERATOR: Scott, it seemed like today you were really focused on race trim in practice.
SCOTT DIXON: Well, we did all of it. We tried to find speed. I think that's been the most difficult part, is obviously the test here the car balance-wise and feel of it feels pretty good, but straight-out speed by itself is maybe not the best.
Same with these guys, in race traffic, even when we fill the thing up, it seems to go the same speed. This morning in traffic and towing up, we put up some good numbers. Feels good in that scenario. Where we qualified is not where we want to be, but we'll do our best to have a comeback and try to get back to the front of the field in the first stint for sure. Need to try to get around Will so he doesn't get the most laps led.
It was a difficult day. A bit odd, qualify on the pole, three teammates qualify three miles an hour slower.
THE MODERATOR: We'll continue with questions.

Q. (No microphone.)
DARIO FRANCHITTI: I think you'll have at least two lanes, possibly three. Just looking today, there haven't been marbles up there. There will be room to maneuver, so I don't see that as a problem tomorrow. I think we'll be all right with that.
THE MODERATOR: Thank you very much for your time. We appreciate it. We'll be joined shortly by our polesitter.