Scott Dixon will start on the front row in tomorrow morning’s PPG 375 after qualifying second fastest in this morning’s qualifying run at Texas Motor Speedway.
The average speed of competitors over a two-lap qualifying run determines the grid, with the Kiwi great averaging 219.972 mph in his run around the 1.5-mile oval.
It wasn’t enough to top Felix Rosenqvist of McLaren, however, the Swede’s 220.264 mph putting his Arrow McLaren in top spot.
“I think it was a pretty good day for all of the Ganassi cars,” said Dixon following qualifying. “We ran a bit simpler configurations, too, as you’ve got to do your qualifying simulations, and your race runs in the same session at some of these ovals.
“Today was pretty straightforward, and it was nice to get some high-line practice in, as well. We would have liked to have gone one spot better in qualifying, but it’s nice to start on the front row.”
It was a contrast in fortunes for Scott McLaughlin, the Kiwi Penske driver forced to start 15th after setting an average speed of 218.765 mph. McLaughlin will be one to watch come race time, however, having shown pace by topping the opening practice session of the event with an average speed of 223.747 mph.
Dixon could only manage 10th in that session but was fastest in this morning’s final practice with an average speed of 222.378 mph while running the high line.
Tomorrow’s PPG 375 covers 250 laps of the oval for 375 miles of running.
The race begins at 4 am and will be shown live on Sky Sports 5.
Header Image: Chip Ganassi Racing