[Solomon Grundy]

The fastest quals at Indy were actually in the firstyear of the IRL (1996). Arie Luyendyk set the one and four lap records at around 239. (This year pole speed around 232.) I think Eddie Cheever actually did a 235 lap in the 96 race.

[Final Authority]

I just checked his official qualification ave. speed and it is posted as 225 and change in 1999. Before the IRL when turbocharged cars were running all the way back to 1991 speeds occasionaly touched 230 or higher. The cars are safer now and supposedly sound better. Gone are the days when a small team can build its own chassis and engine combo and go racing. Like NASCAR one has a couple of chassis builders to select from and a very tight engine spec to meet.