Rahal pleased with “attack mode” drive to sixth

Rahal started on the tenth row of the grid after having his practice ruined by a fuel pressure issue, which meant the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing-Honda team didn’t have time to optimize setups on alternate compound tires before qualifying.

However, a strong warm-up session today signaled that the team had figured out a strong raceday setuo, and Rahal’s progress in the race verified it.

“It’s was a pretty good day,” he said afterward. “We were on attack mode on the first stint. We had to pump out a whole bunch of qualifying laps and close the gaps. 

“My United Rentals boys did a great job in the pits because we got by a lot of guys there and we were able to pass a lot of guys.  Overall I’m pleased with the day that we had.  We completed all 85 laps and raised $100 a lap for SoldierStrong and Turns for Troops which means a lot to me. 

“I was disappointed with qualifying but I’ll take a sixth.”

“I was fighting the whole way and the lapped cars certainly weren’t making it easy there at the end. I was running low on Push to Pass and I knew Max [Chilton, seventh-place finisher for Ganassi] was coming. 

“I take pride in my race craft but you better believe I wish my job was easier than that. Because on a day like today we had a car to win this race, I guarantee you that. So it’s disappointing starting where we start and putting ourselves in that hole.

“We know we can compete, we know we can run up front. We’ve had a lot of things go against us this year but today, finally, we had just a smooth, good day.”