Green trio safely in 500 field

Andretti's was second slowest of those drivers who qualified on the first weekend. But cool and calm conditions Sunday led to a faster than expected pace that put his speed in jeopardy.

Andretti faced a similar scenario last year. He re-qualified in his spare car and went on to finish third in the race.

"We had confidence in the car and confidence in Michael," remarked Team Green general manager Kim Green. "Everyone is very relieved. We knew once we were in the field we would have three strong chances in the race."

Tracy rebounded from his crash eight days ago to post a speed of 228.006mph.

"It's been a pretty big struggle for the team," Tracy acknowledged. "We didn't understand the cars and how they run in different conditions. The crash was a setback, but the guys did a good job to get it back together and when we came back on Wednesday we had an organized plan that we carried out to improve the car. We worked up to speed and got it to feel pretty comfortable in the wind."

Franchitti's speed of 228.177mph was just a tick quicker than Tracy's. They'll start 28th and 29th respectively in the 33-car field.

"It's been a long week," said the Scotsman. "After all the trials and tribulations of last week with the engine problem, it's nice to get a run in and it felt good. It's not a bad time, so we're quite happy."

Franchitti will be back at the wheel of his Champ Car at Mid-Ohio on Monday for a two-day Honda test.

"It's been busy," he said. "It's almost like a nine-to-five at the moment."