Indy 500 - Rookie Orientation Program source: irl-live.com It wasn't the kind of elation that comes from setting fast time on Pole Day. Nor was it even the feeling that comes from a last minute speed run for bragging rights that knocks another driver out of the top spot at the end of a regular practice day. But for Michael Andretti, any time you can sit in the top spot at Indy is another step toward the ultimate, and what has proven to be elusive, goal for Andretti - winning the Indianapolis 500. "I was really happy. We worked with the car a lot and I worked with myself a lot also, you know, to get comfortable. It was easy to get back up to speed, but the comfort just takes some time, and I'm glad we were able to have this extra day and not having to worry about other fast cars all over you." Andretti turned a lap averaging 221.579 mph around the 2.5 mile speedway to top six other drivers. The veteran of fifteen Indianapolis 500 races was allowed to practice on the opening two days in conjunction with the rookies as part of a Refresher program. The program is designed to re-acclimate drivers to the Speedway and to the IndyCar Series machine after spending a significant amount of time out of the driver's seat. In Andretti's case he had not run since the 2006 Indy 500 when he placed third after leading in the closing laps. According to Andretti the opportunity helps to build the confidence to jump in to the mix with the regular IndyCar Series drivers who race in tight quarters race in and race out. "It was good to work with the car a little bit and get it the way I like it, so it's been a good day so far. The initial feeling comes right back to you, because you know you can get up to speed because we know the car and the setup and everything, but getting the actual comfort to where you can just lay your head back and relax, it takes a few laps. That's why it's good, you know, I was really happy that they gave me the chance to have, what they call, a refresher day." Other veterans on track today included IndyCar Series race winner Jaques Lazier, Indy Pro Series race winner Jon Herb, two time Series Championship runner-up Davey Hamilton and ALMS regular Ryan Briscoe. Also, rookies Phil Giebler and Milka Duno were on track for the second day in a row. Final Practice Results - May 7 1 39 Michael Andretti 221.579 mph 2 12 Ryan Briscoe 221.427 mph 3 02 Davey Hamilton 220.214 mph 4 21 Phil Giebler 217.091 mph 5 19 Jon Herb 216.763 mph 6 23 Milka Duno 215.949 mph 7 21 Jaques Lazier 215.235 mph
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