IPS: Homestead: Panther Racing qualifying notes

Mutoh 3rd in IPS

HOMESTEAD, Fla. (March 23, 2007) -- Super Aguri Panther's Indy Pro Series driver, Hideki Mutoh, qualified third in his first career start in the series.

Mutoh will make his debut in Super Aguri Panther's No. 55 Indy Pro Car by starting in the third position with a top time of 28.7181 seconds, 186.154 mph. His effort means Panther's IPS team will have started Top Five in 10 of its 13 career races in the series. During a dominant 2003 season, then-driver Mark Taylor won seven races and collected four pole positions.

Hideki Mutoh:

"Before qualifying session started, I was only thinking about following the qualifying procedures and getting used to the night time qualifying setting so when I got out of the car and saw #55 at the top of the timing list I got excited. I started to hope that I get to start from pole position so it's little disappointing that I went down to 3rd but I think it is good for me since it makes me more motivated to do better tomorrow. My starting position is still good and I would like to continue learning the oval track. And if I could move up the position then that would be great."

-credit: pr