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CART: Tony Kanaan, Michigan Saturday Qualifying Notes/Quotes

23 July 2000

Tony Kanaan

#55 Hollywood/Mo Nunn Racing Mercedes-Benz Reynard
Michigan 500 – Qualifying Notes/Quotes – Saturday, July 22, 2000
At Michigan Speedway – Brooklyn, Mich. (2-mile tri-oval)
Round 11 of 20 on the 2000 CART FedEx Championship Series


Tony Kanaan and his #55 Hollywood/Mo Nunn Racing Mercedes-Benz Reynard
recorded fast lap of 31.835 seconds (an average of 26.166 mph) today to
qualify 18th for Sunday’s Michigan 500.  Paul Tracy won the pole in
30.645 seconds (234.949 mph).

Race time is 1:30 p.m. EDT Sunday with a live broadcast set for ABC-TV.

TONY KANAAN

 “It’s very important for this race to have a good race car and I can
safely say that we do.  Unfortunately, we haven’t been able to find the
speed to qualify further up the grid.  But, above all, I’m feeling very
comfortable in the car.  It’s very neutral, and I’m able to go flat out
all the way around the track.  The car is very good in traffic.  It’s a
very long race, so the key will be to be patient and make the right
changes as the conditions change during the race.  You have to stay on
the lead lap, and then go racing the final 50 laps and hope for the
best.  That’s what I did here last year and it worked out really well.
It’s really good to be back, not only from my injury, but back at the
track where I won my only (Champ Car) race.  I’m feeling very good,
physically.  The arm is fine and the ribs haven’t been a problem.  We
just have to get through 500 miles safe and sound.”