Indianapolis: Sam Hornish Jr qualifying report

Hornish to Start 15th in Allstate 400 at the Brickyard

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (July 25, 2009) - Sam Hornish Jr., driver of the Penske Racing No. 77 Mobil 1 Dodge Charger, secured the 15th starting position for the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday afternoon.

Time trials at the legendary 2.5-mile oval were delayed for several hours as rain showers moved through the area on Saturday. The first competitor to take the track for qualifying, Hornish posted a fast lap time of 50.166 seconds at a speed of 179.404 miles per hour. The effort was strong enough to secure the Mobil 1 team the 15th starting position on Sunday.

"I dont think that lap was everything that it couldve been, said Hornish. The Mobil 1 Dodge got a little loose in turn one, so I was probably a little too conservative in the rest of the turns. Even so, we are definitely better off than if we wouldve had to line up by points and a top-15 start is respectable. Well get to work in the final practice session and be ready to race tomorrow afternoon.

-credit: prfixch