There is a sense of optimism within the four-car Chip Ganassi Racing outfit after qualifying for the 2017 season opener in St. Petersburg, even though Penske and Chevrolet still managed to grab the all-important pole position.
All weekend Honda and Chip Ganassi Racing have been surprising many with strong pace in comparison to rival teams running Chevrolet power, most notably Penske.
Although Penske and Chevrolet still managed to secure pole pole position at the hands of Will Power, all four drivers including veterans of the sport Scott Dixon and Tony Kanaan are remaining extremely optimistic of their chances in the 110-lap race.
Dixon in particular will line-up alongside Power on the front row of the grid, and has placed the blame of not usurping the 2014 champion on himself.
"That was just on me unfortunately,” admitted the four-time champion, who has never won around the Florida street course.
“We have a super fast car and should have been on pole. I just messed up a little on my fastest lap.
“I'm obviously disappointed, but the team has four fast cars. We're working together great with Honda and I can't wait to start the race tomorrow.”
Series veteran Kanaan, who is embarking upon his 20th season in IndyCar racing this year, echoes his team-mate’s views on how well the Chip Ganassi team is working together with Honda.
The outfit switched to the Japanese manufacturer in the off-season, leaving only Penske, A.J. Foyt Enterprises and Ed Carpenter Racing running Chevrolet engines.
"When I walked in Scott was saying how well he thinks we're all working together and I completely agree,” explained Kanaan after qualifying.
“I think the engineers did a great job over the winter when we switched over to Honda.
“We spent a lot of time focusing on the areas that we didn't think were good last year and I just think we came into this season better prepared.”
A big surprise throughout the weekend so far has been former Formula 1 racer Max Chilton, who seems content as he begins his second season in IndyCar with Chip Ganassi Racing.
Although he ultimately failed to progress into the Firestone Fast Six in qualifying, Chilton has been on fine form throughout the weekend so far, ending the final practice session fourth.
"I was happy with the car and felt I really got everything out of myself,” said Chilton after qualifying seventh. “
“I knew coming into qualifying that we had a fast car for sure. We hit traffic and didn't get through and that was frustrating obviously.
“I think we could have been fourth in the second segment and advanced, but that's the way it goes sometimes, and we can fight with a good car tomorrow which I'm excited about.”
