Kanaan ready for Richmond challenge

Having finished on the podium in each of the last three races, Kanaan enjoys a 49-point lead in the standings, the biggest advantage a driver has held in the IndyCar Series since October 2001. However, Kanaan is not about to relax, especially heading to the challenging Richmond oval.

"I would say that Richmond will be the most difficult race of the year," said Kanaan. "It's very demanding, very physical. Consistency will be the key. It will - for sure - be the toughest track that we'll race on."

Champ Car convert Kanaan had his first taste of the three-quarters of a mile tri-oval during a test back in May, and reckons the track's difficulty would make a win there special.

"It's hard to describe," he said, "but the pride that goes into winning the toughest race of the year - it's a big thing. Looking at it as one race, it would mean a lot to me. But, it would also mean a lot toward the championship."

Kanaan's car this weekend should help the Brazilian get in the right mood for the challenging circuit, as his usual 7-Eleven colour-scheme will be replaced by a special paint-job for the movie The Incredible Hulk, based on the ultra-tough (and ultra-green) cartoon character.

"I know our car will look good, since we'll be running the 'Hulk' car there," said Kanaan. "If we can get it to run as good as it looks, I think we'll have a great night."