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Tagliani Qualifies 6th, Starts 16th in Toronto

Topics: Alex Tagliani, Honda Indy Toronto

Tagliani Qualifies 6th, Starts 16th in Toronto

Monica Hilton
Bryan Herta Autosport
July 7, 2012

Toronto, Ontario – For the second consecutive road course on the IZOD IndyCar Series schedule, Alex Tagliani earned a place in the Firestone Fast Six. After being assessed a ten-spot grid penalty for an unapproved engine change, he will start Sunday’s Honda Indy Toronto in P16.

The Team Barracuda – BHA crew has worked hard to improve the No. 98 car throughout the weekend, giving Tagliani the changes he needed to advance into the third round of qualifying on Saturday afternoon.

The team had changed it’s Honda engine after the race in Iowa and received the ten-grid penalty pursuant to IndyCar rule 15.5.4.b. Despite the change in grid position, the Canadian driver is confident that the No. 98 car is strong enough to earn him a spot in Victory Circle.

“Team Barracuda – BHA did a great job between the sessions,” said Tagliani. “Like Detroit, it’s our second street course with Honda power. In Detroit we qualified third; we’re sixth here. It’s really nice to be able to fight with the top runners. It’s a Honda event, so I’m very pleased that we were able to do a good showing here.”

In regards to racing for a “home” crowd, Tagliani added, “It’s fun racing in Canada. The crowd is always behind us. Hopefully we can have a good race tomorrow for the fans and the Barracuda Networks and Bowers & Wilkins groups. It should be an interesting event with the push-to-pass. I think the fans are in for a treat for sure.”

The estimated green flag for the Honda Indy Toronto will take place on Sunday, July 8 with pre-race ceremonies starting at 12 p.m. ET and an estimated green flag at 1 p.m. The 85-lap race on the streets of Toronto will be broadcast live on ABC. Fans can also listen to the radio broadcast on IMS Radio Network and Sirius (XM 94 and Sirius 212).