Tagliani Qualifies Fourth, Starts Fourteenth in Mid-Ohio

Tagliani Qualifies Fourth, Starts Fourteenth in Mid-Ohio

Topics: Alex Tagliani, Honda Indy 200

Tagliani Qualifies Fourth, Starts Fourteenth in Mid-Ohio

Monica Hilton
Bryan Herta Autosport
August 4, 2012

Lexington, OH – On Saturday afternoon, Alex Tagliani and his Team Barracuda crew qualified fourth (and will start fourteenth) for the Honda Indy 200 of Mid-Ohio, proving once again that the No. 98 team is competitive and focused.

For the fourth consecutive race, Barracuda Racing has qualified in the Firestone Fast Six. With two practice sessions before the qualifying attempt, the crew was able to make improvements with each outing.

The team will face a ten-spot grid penalty due to a Honda engine change after the Edmonton race, pursuant to IndyCar rule 15.5.4.b. Despite starting fourteenth, Tagliani is confident that the No. 98 car is strong enough to run with the race leaders.

“I’m very happy with the Team Barracuda No. 98 car,” said Tagliani. “We’re getting very used to being in the Firestone Fast Six. I almost can’t imagine not being in it now.”

The Canadian driver continued, “The team is doing good – we have very good chemistry – and we keep working at it. The more we put ourselves in these positions, the more we can expect better results in racing. We may have had our share of bad luck earlier in the season but since we changed to Honda, speed has never been a problem and I’m very happy with where we are in regards to performance.

“Thanks to the engineers and all the boys. Hopefully tomorrow, even our ten-spot penalty won’t be too costly and we’ll be able to make it back.”

Sunday’s Honda Indy 200 of Mid-Ohio will take place at the famous Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Pre-race ceremonies begin at noon with an estimated green flag drop at 1 p.m. ET. The 85-lap competition 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)