DETROIT -- Marco Andretti’s analogy was succinct following two rounds of practice and qualifications for the Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit presented by Quicken Loans.
“(Comparing the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval and the 2.36-mile, 13-turn street circuit on Belle Isle is) like baseball and basketball,” he said. “I mean, that's the thing about the Verizon IndyCar Series is the diversity. It’s so different. We run at totally different places in our whole schedule.
“One is an oval, and one is a very bumpy, challenging street circuit. Different discipline. Very difficult to compare really.”
Andretti finished third in the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race on May 25 – the third such result to pair with a runner-up finish in his 2006 debut on the 2.5-mile oval and a fourth place in 2013. Teammates Ryan Hunter-Reay won in the second-closest margin of victory in the 98 editions of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” and Carlos Munoz finished fourth.
Andretti wasn’t satisfied with his result after starting sixth in the No. 25 Snapple car.
“I think any other racetrack it would be awesome. But Indy we fell short again, so a little bit of a disappointment,” he said. “We probably should have been more aggressive with the aero package at the end of the race. We should just hopefully keep coming back and having shots at it. Hopefully my number is picked one day there.”
Sato's race-worn, signed helmet being auctioned
Takuma Sato’s race-worn Indianapolis 500 helmet will be up for bid through June 9, with the proceeds to benefit children affected by the 2011 tsunami in Japan.
The helmet also bears the autographs of the Japanese driver and four-time Indianapolis 500 winner A.J. Foyt, the owner of the team for which Sato competes in the Verizon IndyCar Series.
Race fans and collectors can bid at www.501auctions.com/takumasato.
Inspired by his love for the Indy 500, Sato commissioned the helmet design to reflect elements from his signature race cap, the historic bricks of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Foyt’s accomplishments in the 500 Mile Race, plus the Japanese flag incorporated into the No. 14 graphic.
Of note
There were five different teams represented in the Firestone Fast Six shootout for Race 1. ... Helio Castroneves, who in qualifications set a track record for its current 2.36-mile, 13-turn configuration, is the sixth different Verizon P1 Award winner in as many races. ... Castroneves' next pole will tie Rick Mears for fourth all time with 40. Castroneves is the active leader. ... E.J. Viso won both Stadium Super Trucks races on the Belle Isle course May 30 and 31. ... Sir Jackie Stewart took in the Verizon IndyCar Series race on Belle Isle. ... Racing For Kids, marking its 25th anniversary, presented a $10,000 check to the Children's Hospital of Michigan to be used for the purchase of cardiac equipment.