Grand Prix of Sonoma
This space is usually reserved for NASCAR, but this weekend I am in California wine country for the Indy Racing League and the Grand Prix of Sonoma. Here are some highlights from qualifying at the home of the carousel and cabernet sauvignon.
Marco Andretti, the son of Michael Andretti and grandson of Mario Andretti, barely missed winnig the first pole of his IRL career on Saturday at Infineon Raceway. There was a unique way of qualifying for the race. The top six drivers in the opening round of qualifying were sent back on the track for a 10-minute qualifying period to battle for the pole. Andretti, the top qualifier in the opening round, had the top time of the top six for a while, but Scott Dixon came on late and won the pole.
Andretti was asked after qualifying if his dad or granddad gave him any advice or pointers before qualifying.
"They would have been on the pole," Andretti said.
Andretti was still able to hold on to a front row starting position. At Infineon Raceway, track position is extremely important.
"Never count out any of these guys," Andretti said. "They're Indy car drivers for a reason. I knew we had a car to be in the fast six. We actually went in the shootout with a little more fuel than we should have. That could have been the difference."
Tony Kanaan won the Grand Prix of Sonoma last year starting from the third spot. He will start fourth in this year's race.
Helio Castroneves is in the third starting position this time around.
Dixon won his first pole of the season and his first since 2002 at Nazareth Speedway. It was also his first pole at a non-oval track.
Andretti's seocnd qualifying spot is the best of his career. His previous best start was third at third at Watkins Glen and Milwaukee.
About Haddock
in the Paddock
Tim Haddock covers motorsports — including stock-car and open-wheel racing — for the Los Angeles Daily News.
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