As written by Todd Golden for Herald Bulletin.

A.J. Foyt would get many people’s vote as the biggest legend in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s history, but the team that bears his name is too often an afterthought when it comes to race competitiveness.

To wit, A.J. Foyt Racing drivers Santino Ferrucci and Christian Pedersen are 22nd and 27th in IndyCar points, respectively.

However, A.J. Foyt Racing showed promise during Indianapolis 500 practice this week, and that promise equated to a very successful day on the first day of 500 qualifying Saturday.

Santino Ferrucci (232.739 mph) and rookie Benjamin Pedersen (232.739) were both surprise top-12 qualifiers. Both had their first-round qualifying speeds hold up through the day in the top 12, and both will compete for the pole position Sunday.

Both drivers were over the moon but also not surprised about their success.

“It’s been easy to drive. Two clicks of front bar on Lap 1. Two clicks of front bar on Lap 3. One click of weight-jacker and you’re telling me 10 miles at 233-plus? I’ll take it!” Ferrucci said.