INDY 500: Johncox crashes in 'simulated qualifying run' at Indy
19 May 2000
By Terry CallahanMotorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
With one day of practice left before qualifications for the 500, Ronnie Johncox took to the track searching for a little more speed. In nearly ideal conditions, Johncox looked to top his best speed for the week and give the team a boost heading into pole day. However, a minor mechanical issue sent him and the team back to the garage after just eight laps with a top speed of 212.111 mph.
"The car feels great. I'm flat out and its very driveable, but we just need more speed," said Johncox. "If we can just find out how to cut on second over the course of a lap, we could make the race with this car without a problem."
Johncox went back out on the track at 1:45 p.m. This time, he was going for a simulated qualifying run. On the second lap of the simulation, the car trimmed to the maximum, went loose. Johncox spun in turn two. Johncox made only slight contact with the outside wall. He spun to the infield grass on the backstretch.
"We were trying to do a qualifying simulation, and when I went into two the car was a little bit too free. The back end slid out and it was all over from there, " said Johncox. "I was a passenger from that point. There's not much damage. The guys will get the car fixed in no time at all, and we'll get back out and try it again later this afternoon."
Johncox was checked at the infield medical center. He was cleared to continue driving.
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