IRL: Indy500: Memo Gidley qualifying notes

American driver Memo Gidley continued to work on a qualifying setup today, running a fast lap of 218.402 miles per hour in the morning practice. Gidley has not yet made a qualifying attempt. Gidley and the Brayton Racing team will evaluate the #61 Cure Autism Now car in the Sunday morning practice session before making a decision as to whether they are ready to make a qualifying attempt this weekend.

Cure Autism Now spokesman Anthony Edwards joined in the team effort last evening immediately upon his arrival in Indianapolis. Edwards, star of the hit NBC prime-time series "ER," arrived at the airport after midnight and went directly to the Brayton garage. Edwards helped the team apply new decals to the #61 car from 1:00 am to 3:00 am before heading to his hotel.

Memo Gidley: This morning the car felt the best it had all week. We made one change to the setup for out second run, and it got a bit better. Right now were going to be fighting for positions to get in the show. I think we'll run it tomorrow morning, and if it feels OK then we will make a qualifying attempt. It has been great having Anthony Edwards with us today. He is always really positive and has a calming effect on people.

Anthony Edwards (star of NBC's hit prime-time show "ER") Slow and steady is going to get us into this race. We're going to keep at it until we're ready to go qualifying. The people I deal with at the CAN Foundation experience frustration every single day, and only through focus and team effort do things get accomplished. This race team first turned a wheel on Tuesday, so we're going 218 mph faster than we were on Tuesday morning. Last year was my first time at the Speedway, so it was amazing and a bit overwhelming. My experience this year reinforces just how friendly this place is. A lot of other teams are coming up to us and saying how glad they are that Team CAN is back at the Indy 500. They know it's a great idea to mix auto racing with a good cause. We're giving a voice to kids who can't speak, and autistic kids love things that go around in circles really fast.

-MGR