CHEVROLET RACING IN THE VERIZON INDYCAR SERIES
100TH RUNNING OF THE INDIANAPOLIS 500
INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
TEAM CHEVY QUALIFICATIONS DAY 1
MAY 21, 2016

SIMON PAGENAUD, NO. 22 MENARDS TEAM PENSKE CHEVROLET:
ON STRATEGY TODAY IN QUALIFYING:
“It rained last night and when you get an early draw like I did, , which was great initially if it didn’t rain. But the fact that it did rain made the track really slick because it took away all the rubber we put down yesterday. We had to put some down force in the car from where we were yesterday to at least see how the car was behaving and put a lap in really. I know we are going to go back out tonight. At 6:00 the track will be amazing, and the wind is going to die down at the end of the day. That will be the time to be on the track. I think we are going to see some big numbers. That run was just a balance check really. It went pretty well. We have good balance and it was a good start.”

JOSEF NEWGARDEN, NO. 21 PREFERRED FREEZER SERVICES ED CARPENTER RACING CHEVROLET:
ON HIS QUALIFYING EFFORT:
“I’m happy. We had a great first effort. It was a strong four laps. I wish the last three were as strong as the first one. We put up a good number there then dropped about one-half of a mile-an-hour but we maintained. Strong first run. Don’t know if it is good enough to stay in the top-nine, we will have to see. I don’t want to go back out. But if we have to, I think we can find some more speed and get after it if we have to. But it is all about getting in that fast nine. Today has been hard. I think everyone had a false sense of security after practicing so good. The track was so good – the best conditions possible. Then we get to today, and I think it is even going to be worse tomorrow.

SCOTT DIXON, NO. 9 TARGET CHIP GANASSI RACING CHEVROLET:
ON TRACK CONDITIONS DURING QUALIFYING:
“Conditions were pretty tough. They are affecting everyone. This time going into turn one this is the first time this month going in to turn one with that much direct wind coming behind the car. Track temp and air temperatures were up too from the last couple of days when we have been at lower downforce levels. It was tough. I thought we were going out pretty light which is going to be hard to maintain.”
MAX CHILTON, NO. 8 GALLAGHER CHIP GANASSI RACING CHEVROLET:
INVOLVED IN AN ON-TRACK ACCIDENT DURING THE MORNING PRACTICE SESSION:
“I’m fine. A bit battered and bruised. Your first accident on an oval is never a great one. The timing is pretty bad, but that’s the issue with practice before qualifying. You just want to make sure the car is right. I felt like it was a little bit strong in the front but I don’t have the experience to know what’s too much. Now I know, I know for future reference. It was my fault. I was driving the thing, so that’s the way it goes.”