Brack Sets Fastest Qualifying Lap

The 1999 Indy 500 winner, who retired from IRL after a crash at the end of the 2003 season, made a surprise return to IRL, to stand in for injured Rahal/Letterman driver and last year's Indy 500 winner Buddy Rice.

Due to his late entry, he was only eligible to enter the third day of qualifying, which determines positions 23 to 33 - and when he set his four qualifying laps, all of them over 227mph, he secured the 23rd position with a higher average speed than pole sitter Tony Kanaan.

Kanaan's pole total time, set last Sunday, was 2:38.196, with an average speed of 227.566mph. Brack slightly bettered that result, with a total time of 2:38.174 and 227.598mph. The Swede's fastest lap of the four qualifying laps, of 39.484 seconds and 227.940mph, was also faster than the fastest lap run in qualifying, set by Danica Patrick last Sunday.

This is the 19th time in the event's 89-year history that the fastest driver in qualifying is not the pole sitter as well. The last time it happened was in 1996

"It was a good run", Brack said after his qualifying. "I thank God that he allowed me to come back here, and I thank Team Rahal Letterman for giving me the opportunity. While I feel sorry for Buddy, he'll be able to come back."

Rice complimented his replacement, stating: "It's great for Kenny. He's put the fastest car in the field, and that's what we needed to do. To come in on short notice, to hop in and do this is awesome. It will be a great boost to the team. Obviously, I can't drive, but I couldn't be happier with who's in the car. This is great for him to be able to come in and do this."

Alongside Brack, in 24th position, will start IRL rookie Ryan Briscoe, with an average speed of 224.080mph. Patrick Carpentier (222.803), Ed Carpenter (221.439), Jaques Lazier (221.228), Marty Roth (219.497), Larry Foyt (219.396) and Jeff Ward (218.714) also have qualified.

Indianaplis 500 Qualifying Day Three - Postions 23-33 Results: