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INDY LIGHTS: Scott Dixon on provisional front row at Laguna

9 September 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

(Laguna Seca, Ca): PacWest Racings Scott Dixon claimed a spot on the provisional front row for the ninth round of the Dayton Indy Lights Championship at Laguna Seca Raceway in California today.

Dixon, driver of the #17 Invensys/Powerware PacWest Lights entry, improved his time to a 1:16.614 on the last of 16 qualifying laps and is currently second on the grid for the Yahoo! Sports Monterey Challenge alongside Dorricott Racings Casey Mears.

The 20 year-old New Zealander is hoping he can improve one more place in tomorrows final qualifying session and give himself the best possible chance of improving on his 21-point lead in the championship.

Dixon had the job of "dialing" himself back into Indy Lights mode at Laguna Seca today after recently completing a two-day Champ Car test at the famous 2.238-mile permanent road course.

Tony Renna, driver of the #18 Motorola PacWest Lights machine, clocked a time of 1:17.583 to put himself 11th on the provisional grid.

Renna, a native of Florida, battled crippling handling problems all day and is expected to make major changes to his car overnight.

SCOTT DIXON - # 17 INVENSYS/POWERWARE PACWEST LIGHTS 2nd Qualifying time: 1:16.410s

"The track this afternoon seemed totally different from this morning," said Dixon.

"Im dealing with a lot of understeer this session, which we must address.

"I know our times can improve, we just have to be patient and work things out in the morning. For a Friday, I think were doing OK."

TONY RENNA - # 18 MOTOROLA PACWEST LIGHTS 11th Qualifying Time: 1:17.583s

"Im battling a massive understeer this afternoon," said Renna.

"I cant seem to carry any mid-corner speed without the car wanting to go off course.

"We have a lot of work to do tonight so we can compete Saturday.

"Im sure "Ziggy" (team manager Paul Harcus) will figure it out along with my engineer, so Im looking forward to improved times tomorrow."

QUALIFYING TIMES: 1: Casey Mears 1:16.137; 2: Scott Dixon 1:16.410; 3: Felipe Giaffone 1:16.678; 4: Townsend Bell 1:16.868; 5: Jeff Simmons 1:16.954; 6: Jonny Kane 1:17.118; 7: Jason Bright 1:17.141; 8: Chris Menninga 1:17.245; 9: Rudy Junco 1:17.460; 10: Rodolfo Lavin 1:17.521.

Text provided by Brett Murray

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