Ryan Hunter-Reay ended the first day of qualifying at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Saturday with the second fastest time of the session, and took to the track three times to make it through to Sunday’s fast nine shoot-out for pole position.
The Andretti Autosport driver admitted that he and his team had been chasing speed throughout the practice week, especially in the latter half of the running, but now feels in with a chance of taking pole position for the Indianapolis 500 during Sunday’s second qualifying session having set an average four-lap speed of 230.805mph on Saturday.
“We had the fastest car on Wednesday – which was great, but we had some troubles toward the end of the week so today we’ve just been getting up to speed,” said Hunter-Reay.
“Our first run we just didn’t have the balance, but our last run was great. I really have to give credit to the whole No. 28 DHL Honda team – these guys, when I needed them they were there with the right settings, the car was great.
“I also really want to thank Honda for really pushing it here. They’re absolutely hanging it all on the edges as we are (the drivers). It’s making for a great show out there. Hopefully tomorrow we come away with the pole.”
