Qualifying: De Ferran's hot lap

Qualifying for Sunday's Gateway Indy 250 at Gateway International Raceway near St. Louis was hot stuff, literally, as the Indy Racing League contenders battled sauna conditions that included air temperatures in the high 80s and humidity figures to match. It didn't bother Gil de Ferran much, however, as the Penske star took pole position. De Ferran had led both the morning practice sessions with his Dallara-Chevrolet, but saved his best for when it really counted to take his league-leading fourth pole of the year

Aug 25, 2002, 9:02 AM

Sam Hornish Jr. set the early pace with his Panther Racing Dallara-Chevy, becoming the first driver to break the 26sec barrier on the uniquely configured 1.25-mile oval at 174.959mph. He wasn't seriously challenged until the Penske twins took to the track late in the session. Helio Castroneves came close, with a 174.939mph, just a tenth off. Then came de Ferran, and the 2000/2001 CART champ calmly reeled off a 174.985mph to take the pole on his first lap. As if that wasn't enough, de Ferran then upped the ante on the second of his two laps, to 175.120mph. Mission accomplished.

Also impressive was Team Menard's rookie driver Vitor Meira, who clocked in at 173.863mph in his Dallara-Chevy to nail down the fourth spot on the starting grid.