Graham Rahal, No. 02 McDonald’s Dallara/Honda/Firestone: “We have to be pleased with starting third. The McDonald’s boys have worked extremely hard since yesterday because the car just wasn’t exactly what we wanted but there was no panic. The team’s motto is ‘Keep it simple’ and that’s the way we kept going through this weekend and fortunately it worked to our advantage. The car felt pretty good and we were just trying to maximize the tires and unfortunately I think we didn’t quite get all of it on the last run but we’ll take third any day. The race is going to be a tough one tomorrow. Braking is extremely hard in these cars on this track and I think that there are mistakes to be had for sure and I think people are going to do it. We’ve seen a lot of people lock up. I’ve done it twice, Dario’s done it several times and I’ve seen a lot of the top guys do it. Keeping it on the track is going to be goal number one!”
FAST FACTS: Will be his THIRD race here…Started from pole in the 2006 Atlantic race but was hit by Raphael Matos on the first lap. Repaired the damaged suspension and returned to the track a few laps down but later retired in 15th place. Set the fastest race lap. In the 2007 Champ Car race as a rookie for NHLR, he started 15th but an evasive move to avoid a pile up on Lap 1 led to him hitting the wall and a subsequent stop for a new front wing. Had to pit again for another front wing later in the race after running as high as second. Retired in 11th place after he made contact for the third time due to a broken steering rack...Highest start this season is two poles (St. Pete/street & Kansas/oval) and highest finish is third place at Richmond…Is ranked ninth in series points with 197, only 41 points out of fifth place.
Robert Doornbos, No. 06 Dallara/Honda/Firestone: “We worked hard yesterday and today, although there wasn’t much running this morning. For qualifying we pushed very hard. For some reason on old tires, the used Firestone’s our car seemed to perform very well and get up to speed quickly but the new ones never came in really. It’s a very competitive field anyhow but it’s a shame we didn’t make it to Round 3 because I think we had the pace. Starting from the fourth row on a street circuit always put you a little bit in the danger zone but we’re going to make the best of it tomorrow. We know we have a fast car and a good crew.”
FAST FACTS: Earned his best start on a road/street course this season with seventh place…Will be his SECOND race here and only second track so far this season that he has raced on previously. Started 12th and finished sixth for Minardi Team USA in 2007 despite contact with Bourdais. He took over the points lead from Bourdais after the event by two over Will Power and three over eventual champion Bourdais…Highest start this season is second at his oval debut in Kansas and highest finish is 9th in Long Beach, Richmond and Watkins Glen… Is ranked 12th with 163 points and leads the Rookie of the Year standings (163-162) over Matos.
SEVEN WINS, FIVE POLES, 16 PODIUMS IN TORONTO FOR TEAM: NHR/NHLR has won SEVEN races at this track (Bourdais 2004; da Matta 2002; Michael Andretti 2000, 1995, 1992, 1991, 1989) and FIVE poles (Bourdais 2004, 2005, 2007; da Matta 2002; Mi. Andretti 1991). They have earned a total of 16 podium finishes (2nd – Servia 2005, Mi. Andretti 1998, Ma. Andretti 1991, Mi. Andretti 1990; 3rd – Bourdais 2006, Junqueira 2003, Fittipaldi 2002 & 1999, Ma. Andretti 1986).
Tune In… The race will be broadcast live on ABC Sunday July 12th from 1-3:30pm. The radio broadcast also will be carried on www.indycar.com. As always, fans can follow the action from every on-track session via the official website of the IndyCar Series, www.indycar.com.
