KV Racing Technology disappointed with qualifying results at Barber

Birmingham, AL (Saturday, April 06, 2013) - After running well in all three practice sessions for the weekend KV Racing Technology drivers had high hopes heading into today's qualifying session. Simona De Silvestro, driver of the No. 78 Nuclear Clean Air Energy car just missed moving to the second qualifying session and ultimately qualified 14th, while veteran Tony Kanaan, driver of the No. 11 Mouser - KV Racing Technology - SH Chevrolet/Firestone car, was disappointed with a 19th place qualifying.

Simona de Silvestro, KV Racing Technology Chevrolet

Photo by: Eric Gilbert

For De Silvestro, tire choice seemed to be the determining factor in her disappointment. "On the reds we had a really big balance change," she said. "It was a really big difference, so we'll have to try and work on that for tomorrow's warm-up and the race. I think on the blacks we were really quick; even on the older ones. Hopefully we can make up some positions. It's really frustrating to be starting more in the back, but I think we can make it happen. We'll work really hard to go to the front with the Nuclear Clean Air Energy car.

Kanaan was happy with his car, but not with the results. "I'm having a hard time understanding what happened during qualifying," he said. "My car actually felt good, but when Vasser came on the radio and said I needed another tenth and a half, I thought that I heard something wrong. And on top of that, the times for group two of quals were way slower than group one, which is very strange. Starting back there will make it a long day tomorrow, but I trust the #11 crew, Chevy and Firestone, and we'll move forward during the race."

Both drivers expect to move up through the field and anticipate good finishes. Tune in tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Network to catch all the action.

KV Racing Technology