Open-wheelers continue learning process at testing (cont'd)

Bumps are nothing for Hornish who has raced at Daytona a handful of times in the International Race of Champions. Also, Hornish tried to qualify on a similar track last season at Talladega Superspeedway.

"If I hadn't ran those other events I might not feel as comfortable," said Hornish, whose speeds were the slowest of the three open-wheelers and 40th on the speed chart with his fastest lap at 181.057 mph.

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Those speeds won't get his No. 77 Dodge in the race next month, but he has time and he's locked in on his teammate's points for the Daytona 500, which will be Hornish's third Cup event. Last season he attempted to qualify for six races but made just two -- the final events of the season, at Phoenix and Homestead-Miami.

"Going into first race knowing you're in the race feels good," Hornish said. "I know how difficult it is to make a race. It's a great opportunity for our team and I'm glad Kurt [Busch] wanted to do that."

The Penske Racing driver said he will work to find more speed, but Monday morning was all about handling and keeping the car up to code so they aren't met with penalties and fines like a handful of drivers and team owners were at the start of last season in Daytona.

"There's no tech line [NASCAR inspection] so we are trying to stay with the rules and guidelines," he added.

Overall, the three drivers feel pressure -- pressure from piloting a COT for the first time at Daytona, practicing in the draft, and getting the car to handle, all similar to those of other veterans in the garage.

"Some is off because our team is locked in the first five races, but it is up to me to make sure we stay in the top 35 in points from there on," Franchitti said. "There's always pressure to perform."

Carpentier agreed.

"Right now, it's hard to know what to expect," he said. "We are still in a learning process."