CHAMPCAR/CART: PacWest Motegi qualifying notes

SCOTT DIXON - # 18 POWERWARE PANASONIC PACWEST TOYOTA

"The time I put up in my qualifying run was really all we had in the car," said Dixon. "Just like Mauricio, my car feels almost perfect with just a slight understeer, but we're struggling with a little drag down the straights - which is where we are loosing time. My split's and mid corner times are actually pretty good, we just can't find enough straight-line speed. Obviously I would like to be starting in a higher position, but as long as I can stay on the lead lap during the race, anything can happen."

MAURICIO GUGELMIN - # 17 NEXTEL PACWEST TOYOTA

"My car has been well balanced and very reliable all week, we're just slower than we would like to be at this stage of the game," said Gugelmin. "I've had no handling problems or drama's at all, but we still need to find some straight-line speed to stay competitive for the race. My Toyota engine has been great since we arrived here but I think we need to investigate things tonight to see what we can do. I did have some push through turn four during the qualifying run, but other than that the car was just how I like it. We'll see what we can come up with tonight, and hope that it's enough for race day."

-Pac West