Indy 500 practice - day 6

When the team announced it would be competing in the Indianapolis 500 this year, there was no doubt the team would be competitive, but some thought it would take some time before it adapted to the different cars and engines in the Indy Racing Northern Light Series, writes Bruce Martin...

So far this week, that has not been a problem.

The top two drivers in Thursday's practice session at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are both from the CART FedEx Championship Series. Jimmy Vasser was the fastest of the day with a lap at 221.681mph in a G Force/Oldsmobile Aurora. His team-mate at Target/Chip Ganassi Racing, Juan Montoya, was second at 221.555mph.

"As far as flying the CART flag, I don't feel that way," Vasser said. "We're not trying to make a political statement. We're here to race. If we don't make the CART guys proud, we'll make them cry in Milwaukee like we have the past four years.

"Some of my most exciting memories in life was qualifying for my rookie year at the Indianapolis 500. This is still the biggest motor race in the world.

"Since arriving from Japan on Sunday, we've just had to work on the car. We don't really have the opportunity to sit back and realise, 'Wow, this is cool.'"

Montoya, the 24-year-old Colombian CART champion, is beginning to understand the impact of the Indianapolis 500. But he is also a man of few words.

"Chip Ganassi [team owner] gave me a car," Montoya said. "I'll just drive it as fast as I can. Simple."

Second-year driver Robby McGehee was third fastest in a G Force/Aurora at 220.964mph followed by Mark Dismore's 220.896mph in a Dallara/Aurora and Scott Sharp's 219.922mph, also in a Dallara/Aurora.

Practice was halted by a 1 hour and 4 minute rain delay.