Qualifying 1: Fernandez leads the way

"We tested here two weeks ago and had a very good day," said Fernandez after recording a 22.021-second (168.712 mph) lap in his Lola-Honda. "The car is just working fantastic. I haven't done a killer lap - the car is just working well and that's what you need for a short oval."

Brack was fastest in the morning and third in the afternoon in his Ganassi Racing Lola-Toyota.

"Thanks to Don Halliday, Adrian has my set-up from last year," joked the Swede. "I'll have to try harder to remember it."

Halliday was Brack's race engineer at Team Rahal last year, and he took the pole and the race win at Milwaukee. He now serves as technical director for Fernandez Racing. Fellow Mexican Mario Dominguez was impressive as he gears up for his fourth Champ Car race. His best start of 12th came at Monterrey, Mexico.

"We had a very good test here and the car was fast straightaway," he remarked. "The Herdez team has done a great job and hopefully we can continue it through the weekend."

Cristiano da Matta, Jimmy Vasser and Tora Takagi rounded out the top six.

Team Green ran Lolas for all three of its drivers. Paul Tracy was seventh, Dario Franchitti eighth and Michael Andretti 13th. Mo Nunn Racing has also completed the switch from Reynard to Lola and Tony Kanaan was 12th fastest. Scott Dixon was 14th fastest in his debut for the Ganassi team.