Starting this year with Chip Ganassi Racing, Ryan Briscoe got off to a rough start, only posting a single top 10 in the first seven races. Though now beginning to get comfortable with his team, Briscoe has posted four top 10s in the last five races, including a fourth at Pocono.
“I feel I am really happy with where we’re going,” he commented on Friday.”Had a bit of a slow start, but its my first year with the No. 8 team and its a lot of new people coming together. I feel like we’ve been getting stronger and more confident race by race and the results are starting to show for it. I feel we’re getting better with adjustments to the car and thats the big goal so I’m happy with where we’re at.”
Briscoe added that the adjustments have improved each week as his team learns what he needs and wants as a driver.
“I feel we have learned a lot but still have a ways to go,” he continued. “I think we’re knocking on the door for a win.”
Looking to keep the solid performances rolling, Briscoe heads to a track that he has stood on the podium before with a best finish of second.
“The track is one of those bumpy circuits that have its challenges, are bumpy and have different surfaces round the circuit,” Briscoe said of Toronto. “I think its very special to IndyCar. There’s a lot of history here and a lot of great names have won here. Its also the only Canadian date so it’s a good chance to showcase in front of our fans. I love coming here. Its a great event. I love Canada. I love the people here as they are great fans.”
Dissecting the 11-turn temporary street circuit, Briscoe says the tough spot is from the esses to turn one.
“Turn one is so important because it sets you up for the longest straightaway and the tight turn througb three,” Briscoe explained, qualifying 10th for race one.
In looking for the extra edge of speed, no doubt his teammates are handy with Scott Dixon completing the sweep last year.
“They’re really good friends to me,” Briscoe said of Dixon and Tony Kanaan. “We’ve raced together for a long time in IndyCar. I just enjoy the commoraditity that there is. We’re really competitive, but there’s no one trying to prove ourselves to anyone on the team and I think that helps the teamwork within the team because we’re not fighting for anything.”
Though still, having the advantage isn’t easy with this weekend being a double header, now with two races on one day only four hours apart. To be prepared, Briscoe keeps himself hydrated, eats well and gets a good night rest. However, there is also the mental challenge from a schedule point of view.
“Its difficult because you have limited practice with just a pair of 45 minute sessions with limited tires,” he explained. “There is also no warm-up either day, just straight competition.”
Now with both races scheduled for the Sunday, there are many unknowns. One thing that remains – Briscoe will enter his ride through the right side as per his pre-race ritual.
“I’ve gotten in through the left side of the car before and I had negative thoughts,” Briscoe commented.
