Takagi on target for Mo Nunn

Meanwhile, Alex Barron's first laps as Arie Luyendyk's replacement were the fastest among a growing list of non-qualifiers.

"It's all the little things," Barron said. "Getting in the show is one thing. Having a good race car for 500 miles is another thing."

Takagi recorded a lap at 229.157 mph in his Mo Nunn Racing No. 12 Toyota/G-Force, leading a surprising 228.378 mph flyer by Greg Ray's Honda/G Force. Felipe Giaffone, Scott Dixon, Dan Wheldon and Scott Sharp also notched laps over 228mph.

"The fast lap was on my own, and I feel good about how the car runs when I'm on my own," Takagi said. "The most important thing, obviously, is to have a good-handling car in traffic."

Barron was clocked at 226.230 mph, leading six other drivers who have yet to qualify for the May 25 race. Among the non-qualifiers was a surprising run by Vitor Meira, John Menard's No. 2 driver who - until Thursday - hadn't been on the track since passing his rookie test last month.

If all seven cars qualify during Sunday's bump day, the field still will be two cars short of filling the traditional 33-car starting grid. The race hasn't started with fewer than 33 cars since 1947!

Drivers will continue practicing today. Included on the schedule is practice and qualifying for the Freedom 100, an Infiniti Pro Series race at the track on Saturday afternoon.