For the first time in over 10 years, the Verizon IndyCar Series took to the low-banking of Phoenix International Raceway for a weekend of high-speed competition. Two practice sessions bookend today’s qualifying session, while fans took to the stands to watch the field of 22 speed around the 1.022 mile tri-oval.

The 250-lap Phoenix Grand Prix will go green Saturday with the setting desert sun. Catch the live broadcast starting on NBC Sports Network at 8:30 p.m. ET. Additionally, the IndyCar Radio Network will air the race on Sirius 212, XM 209, IndyCar.com and via the INDYCAR Mobile App, available internationally.

Marco Andretti
No. 27 United Fiber & Data / Snapple Honda

• Third-generation racer posted the top Honda qualifying time
• Will start from the 11th position in tomorrow’s race

“The disappointing part is that was a good run, and we’re 11th. Obviously, when we have the car wrung out we want to be running for Pole and not 11th… so disappointed. We have a lot of work to do tonight but we have a direction I think we can work on. If we get the car good in race trim, the competition will be more human tomorrow night.”

Ryan Hunter-Reay
No. 28 DHL Honda

• Posted the quickest Honda speed during today’s morning session
• Currently third in the championship points standings, will start tomorrow’s race from the 12th position

“First, I am glad Carlos is alright. Pulling 5G’s (of downforce) around here is one thing and when that string breaks and you hit the wall, it’s a massive hit. I am glad he’s alright. This morning we were quite a bit slower than the competition, we were 11th and the top Honda so we really needed to start swinging at it to try and get some speed but it just wasn’t in there. That was a hairy run. When you see your teammate go in and he’s running the same set up, to go out and try to keep your foot on the floor is an exercise. I got loose and we slid around. That was not exactly the ideal qualifying run but I can’t race tomorrow night. I love short oval racing and this place at night is going to be spectacular. Hopefully we can dial in a good DHL car tonight and make a good show of it.”

Alexander Rossi
No. 98 Castrol Edge/Curb Honda

• Completed his first every career qualifying on an oval racetrack
• Will take the grid in the 14th position for tomorrow’s Phoenix Grand Prix

“I’m pretty disappointed with (the qualifying run). The car was different than it was in practice, so I need to understand why that was. I think there is obviously, in terms of going to P1, a difference between the two aero kits that we need to understand. From my personal standpoint, I feel like we just missed the transition in terms of the day with track temperature and everything from practice to qualifying. We’ll have to make sure we capitalize this evening and make sure the race car is really good.”

Carlos Muñoz
No. 26 Andretti Autosport Honda

• During the qualifying run, the No. 26 car spun entering Turn 1, making hard contact with the outside wall between Turn 1 and Turn 2
• Was checked, cleared and released from the infield car center after evaluation for soft tissue damage to the knees
• Did not post a qualifying time and will start tomorrow’s race from 21st

“Unfortunately I crashed the car. I feel sorry for the guys. They’ll put so much work in tonight to get ready for tomorrow. I just lost the car — went through everything really quick. It’s a shame. I feel a little bit injured on my knees, but I’m okay. I can’t wait to be back on track tomorrow. I’ll just rest a little bit today and think about tomorrow.”