JHR determined to improve after tough Gallagher Grand Prix qualifying

Juncos Hollinger Racing drivers Agustín Canapino and Callum Ilott are hoping they can unlock some improved pace during tomorrow’s Gallagher Grand Prix after emerging from a tough qualifying session at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway earlier today.

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES duo were unable to find the speed they needed to break into the top positions and will therefore line up P24 and P26 on the grid for Saturday’s 85-lap race on the Indy road course.

Both men were placed in qualifying group two this afternoon and their strategy determined that Firestone’s primary tires were bolted onto their #77 and #78 Dallara-Chevrolet cars as the 10-minute battle got underway.

Callum and Agustín showed early promise during their first couple of hot laps at JHR’s home track, before making a mid-session switch onto the softer alternate rubber.

With less than three minutes left on the clock, both were pushing hard to secure strong starting slots for tomorrow’s 207-mile race. But despite their best efforts, their group rivals found the extra tenths of a second that were needed to break into the ‘Fast 12’.

As the checkered flag waved, Agustín claimed P12 in the group while Callum was P13.

Despite a frustrating session, the day did end on a positive note as both drivers enjoyed a stronger showing in the final practice session shortly afterwards. Callum’s improved pace sealed P4, while rookie Agustín was P9.

JHR will be looking to carry its encouraging practice pace over into tomorrow’s Gallagher Grand Prix which goes green at 14.00 ET.

The INDY NXT by Firestone Grand Prix proved to be a challenging encounter for Juncos Hollinger Racing’s junior drivers on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway asphalt earlier today. Rasmus Lindh crossed the finish line in P15, while team-mate Victor Franzoni was classified P19 after his race ended prematurely.

There was little rest for both drivers this afternoon, as qualifying for the 10th round of the INDY NXT Series took place only a few hours before the 35-lap race. Swede Rasmus claimed a P16 starting spot in that session, while Victor impressed as he sealed P11 on the grid.

The 27-year-old put the experience of his INDY NXT debut at Nashville last weekend to good use with an encouraging start when the race went green. Rasmus also battled hard in the opening phase but an unfortunate spin bumped him down the order.

With nine laps complete, Victor’s race came to an abrupt end when damage to the front-left tire and suspension on his #75 car forced him into the run-off area at Turn 1. Unable to rejoin the race, the Brazilian was classified P19.

Rasmus meanwhile, showed good speed as he fought to make progress from the back of the pack and the 22-year-old took the checkered flag in P15.