BROOKLYN, Michigan (May 9, 1996) - There were two 45-minute practice sessions for the rookies today to prepare for this weekend's qualifying for the Inaugural running of the U.S. 500. 
U.S. 500 Report:
Thursday Rookie Comments
By Jim DeFord©1996 SpeedCenter Internet Publishing, Inc.
Both sessions were incident free with Alessandro Zanardi posting the quickest times in both the early and late afternoon sessions.
"Alex" Zanardi, after completing his first ever 200 mph+ laps in his career, expressed some uneasiness driving these speeds.
"For sure, it is a very different type of circuit for me," said Zanardi. "Jimmy (Vasser) and Chip (Ganassi) have been talking to me a lot, and that is very helpful. Chip told me Michigan would be much easier than Nazareth, and that there are many lines a driver can use here."
"I still have to get comfortable with this type of racing. There is a lot we can try with the car. I hope I can get comfortable before we have to do 250 laps!"
Eddie Lawson was also playing it a bit cautious today by not running flat-out but is looking forward to a weekend of competition.
"I'm just trying to lean into it and get a good feel for the car," Lawson said. "I think the car is a little better than I am right now. I could have driven around flat but I lifted a little."
"But so far so good. This track's great, I really enjoy it. It seems to be rather forgiving because of the banking. You're able to change your line. I thought the speed would bother me a little but it doesn't. I'm really looking forward to the rest of the weekend."
Jeff Krosnoff, driving the so-far, uncompetitive Toyota powered Reynard, just hopes the engine can complete the entire 500 miles.
"We are doing the best we can considering our circumstances," Krosnoff said. "We had a trouble-free day and got in almost 80 laps. The changes that Gordon (Coppuck, engineer) makes are affecting the car in the manner we want, so we are making progress."
"The trap speed tells it all. We are down 10 miles per hour on the straights, but our lap times are only a couple of tenths off of Zanardi's. But the Toyota engine is running strong and that is what we need, because our race here is going to be for the distance."
Fredrik Ekblom, who will be taking Scott Goodyear's spot in the Valvoline DuraBlend Special cockpit wasn't entirely sure how he should feel. But he is thankful to be racing against this talent-enriched field at the First U.S. 500.
"I haven't been around here before, so I don't know how it should feel," Ekblom commented. "But, the car felt pretty good. It's a fantastic track to drive, really nice."
"It's an extremely competitive field -- more than ever. It's hard to come in for just one race, but Derrick (Walker, team owner) has won here before, and he's my coach. I'm anxious to get back in and go faster."
Note: EDS times now available!
