News:

8-12-2006
Klein Claims the Pole at Kentucky Speedway
As Sam Schmidt Motorsports Drivers Run 1-3-4-5

Rookie Jonathan Klein recorded his first Indy Pro Series pole in qualifying action Saturday at Kentucky Speedway, in preparation for Saturday’s WAMZ 100.

Klein edged defending series champion Wade Cunningham by just over five-hundredths of a second, with a speed of 189.392 mph around the 1.5-mile oval. It is the third front-row start this year for the 19-year-old college student, as Klein qualified second at the season-opening race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and also started on the outside of the front row for the second of two races at the St. Petersburg Grand Prix.

All four Sam Schmidt Motorsports drivers qualified in the top five today, with championship leader Jay Howard third quickest at 188.824 mph, the seventh time in nine races that he has qualified in the first two rows. With a win at Nashville and five top-three finishes this season, the rookie leads the Pro Series standings with 269 points, 30 more than second-place Bobby Wilson, and 31 ahead of Klein in third.

Making his first appearance this season with Sam Schmidt Motorsports, defending race winner Travis Gregg qualified fourth today at 187.863 mph. Gregg won from the pole for Schmidt here in 2005, one of three victories he recorded enroute to third in the championship.

Jamie Camara – winner of the most recent IPS race at The Milwaukee Mile – rounded out the top five qualifiers for the Schmidt team with a best lap speed of 187.172 mph.
It was the sixth top-five qualifying effort this season for the Brazilian, who also has a trio of top-three finishes this year. He is currently fourth in the IPS standings, 43 points behind teammate and championship leader Howard, and 12 points behind Klein in third.

Saturday’s 100-lap race is scheduled to start at 12:30 p.m. (EDT) with tape-delayed television coverage on ESPN2 airing Monday, August 14, at 2:30 p.m. (EDT).

Jonathan Klein, #27 Klein Tools/Turn-Key Forging & Design Dallara/Firestone
Qualified 1st at 189.392 mph, 28.1321 seconds

“I have to give it to my crew. They’re the best guys out there and proved it today. The car was fantastic all day. Qualifying is all about those two hot laps. I just had to get in and hang on, and that’s what I did. Anything can happen in the race, but I’m pretty confident. I know the car will be good and hopefully everything will work out well for us tomorrow.”

[On the benefit of the “bonus test” provided to IndyCar teams, such as Andretti Green Racing, that field Pro Series entries] “The test was a big help, it definitely played a part in my learning the quick way around here. Dario [Franchitti] helped out a ton, and I can’t thank him enough for the guidance he provided.”

Jay Howard, #7 Lucas Oils/Isilon Dallara/Firestone
Qualified 3rd at 188.824 mph, 28.2167 seconds, current championship leader

“The car was really, really good in practice, and ran very well in traffic, so I’m happy with our race setup. In qualifying, the car felt good, but wasn’t quite fast enough for the pole. Quite frankly, I’m happier to be on the inside [in third] than I would have been starting on the outside of the front row. I’m confident in our chances tomorrow, and that’s the most important thing.”

Travis Gregg, #77 Lucas Oils/Argosy Casino Dallara/Firestone
Qualified 4th at 187.683 mph, 28.3883 seconds, defending race winner here

“The car felt pretty good, and I think it’s quick enough to take another checkered flag. Considering that this is my first race with Sam Schmidt Motorsports this year, I’m pleased with our qualifying result. There’s a bit more work to do, but I think we’ll be ready to go by race time.”

Jamie Camara, #11 Neo Quimica Dallara/Firestone
Qualified 5th at 187.172 mph, 28.4658 seconds

“That was the best we could do for qualifying. We lost a little speed from practice, and I’m not sure why. Perhaps it’s because it’s a little bit hotter now. But we have a very good car for the race. It was excellent in the draft this morning and I think we’re in good shape for tomorrow.”