"When I pulled up, I told the guys, we need to have tyres ready just in case, but it didn't happen. They said there would be no way to get down [to the front of the qualifying line], and then everyone was pulling out, so I started to get ready and go. They should have told me before I got my helmet on. They waited until I got ready and then told me 'by the way, we don't have tyres'. They said they didn't think we were going to make it, so didn't bring tyres, but you need to be prepared. I see everyone pulling and I'm jumping in the car - and then they tell me they don't have tyres so we're not going to run. Come on - it makes me mad because I really feel like we could have made it. It's like shooting yourself in the foot!"
Veteran Davey Hamilton also came within touching distance of a coveted top eleven spot, but admitted that he'd be happy to have another shot on Sunday.
"I'm happy with that number," he said of his 223.287mph effort, "This morning was the first time I'd trimmed the car out so, going out to qualify, I was a bit nervous. We haven't had the laps I need, and it's been a year since I've been in the car. And this rain didn't help me at all so, to get a 223, I'm happy with that. I wish it wasn't just the top eleven though. I wish they'd put us all in right now because it would be a lot easier!
"But I'll be straight up, there is nobody in this pit area having more fun [than me]. I'm having a blast. It is good to be at the biggest race in the world. I'm here because I want to do well - I want to win this race - but I'm a realist as well. When you're up against these guys who are qualifying faster than me and in these cars week in and week out, it is hard to compete. It can be done and, if we play the race smart and right, we can get another great finish in the top ten and I'll leave here with a big smile again."
![Graham Rahal - Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing [pic credit: IRL/Payne]](http://pix.crash.net/thumbs/436622.jpg)
