Brack admits road course problems

Mid-Ohio winner Helio Castroneves closed to within one point of Brack in the drivers' championship after leading a Penske one-two ahead of team mate Gil de Ferran at the Lexington track on Sunday.

But for Brack it was a day to forget after he was run off the road midway through the race by team mate Max Papis. The pair collided as the championship leader slowed for his in lap, leaving him in 20th place, three laps down at the finish.

Brack has won twice on ovals this year at Motegi and Milwaukee, but he admits he has some ground to make up if he is to take the fight to his rivals on road circuits.

"We weren't the best Lola today," said Brack. "I hope Elkhart [Lake] will be better for us. We're a little behind on this type of track. We have to re-group this weekend and be ready for a fight at Road America."

Meanwhile, Papis apologised profusely for taking out his team mate, but team boss Bobby Rahal was fuming over the move which he believes could prove crucial in the championship battle later in the year.

"It is a wasted opportunity," said Rahal. "For a team mate to do that is inexcusable. I don't know what Max was thinking, but that's the kind of stuff that keeps you from winning championships."

However, Rahal added that the team was also at fault for Brack's lack of pace. The 35-year-old qualified a lowly 13th and could only manage the 20th fastest lap during the race.

"We didn't give Kenny a very good car this weekend. He was making the best of the situation," he said.