IRL: Chicagoland: Firestone qualifying report

Hornish nabs pole for Delphi Indy 300.

Sam Hornish and the Pennzoil/Panther Racing team breezed into the Windy City this weekend, intent on earning points toward the 2002 Indy Racing League season championship. Sam and his crew took another step toward that goal today, earning the MBNA pole for Sunday's Delphi Indy 300 with a lap of 222.867 mph.

"The tires are working really good for us," Hornish said. "Everything is as close as it gets to being perfect with my car. Hopefully everything will work out well for us in the race tomorrow."

Quote from Al Speyer, Executive Director, Firestone Racing: "We congratulate Sam and the Pennzoil//Panther team for earning today's pole. We know everyone will be working extremely hard to capture all-important points for the season championship, so the fans at Chicagoland Speedway can expect to see a great race Sunday. There should be plenty of fast, tire-to-tire competition, and we're proud Firestone is contributing to the show."

Al Unser Jr., Corteco/Bryant/Kelley Racing (Dallara/Chevrolet/Firestone): "The tires are working superbly. They come in real quick, they stay consistent, and they last a long time. It's no secret Firestone is the best in the business."

Firestone Performance Award: The IRL driver leading at lap 70 in the Delphi Indy 300 will earn a $10,000 bonus check from the Firestone Racing program. The award celebrates Firestone tires being in all 70 Indy Racing League events conducted since the first competition in 1996. Firestone is the only tire to claim that honor.

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