Friday practice: Sophomore Hornish fastest

"We went out this morning just trying to get back to where we were at the open test here," Hornish said. "The Pennzoil car ran very well. I think the big comfort level for me this year is knowing I'll be able to be at every race no matter if I wreck a car."

Eliseo Salazar was the second fastest driver in Friday's combined practice session with a lap at 172.324mph on Friday morning. Stan Wattles was third at 171.852mph, followed by 1998 Indianapolis 500 winner Eddie Cheever's 172.114mph and defending IRL champion Buddy Lazier's 172.059mph.

Hornish drove for the under-financed PDM Racing last year, but is racing for Pennzoil Panther Racing this season.

Although Panther is currently a one-driver operation, it has been the focus of speculation involving CART driver Michael Andretti, who is attempting to strike a deal with the IRL team to run in this year's Indianapolis 500. It would be Andretti's first Indy 500 since 1995 - the year before CART teams decided not to participate in the race because of its involvement with the rival Indy Racing League.

Andretti drives for Team Green in CART after a lengthy career with Newman/Haas Racing.

"They try not to tell me too much because I talk to too many people," Hornish said about the potential Andretti deal. "I try to keep that out of my mind as well. Right now, I'm just trying to take advantage of everything that has been given to me and put it to work.

"With the caliber of the team I'm running with, there will always be talk of another driver. It's a matter of finding the money right now and when they do, I'm sure we will have a second car."

Hornish said he would love to have Andretti as his teammate in the Indianapolis 500.

"If he were there, it would bring a little more to my effort to have somebody who has led so many Indy 500s," Hornish said. "You don't get to be the all-time leader in CART victories by not knowing what you are doing. From the pressroom to the race track, he would be able to help me in every way."