Tony Kanaan records top speed in Indy 500 practice

Tony Kanaan experienced some shaky moments during qualifying but they are now afterthoughts after a sparkling performance in Friday's final day of practice for the 100th Indianapolis 500.

Kanaan posted a top lap of 226.280 mph during Carb Day practice sessions, and his level of optimism is rising when it comes to Sunday's race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The struggles that led to Kanaan qualifying 18th in the 33-car field appear to be over.

"I'm happy with my car. Obviously I have to pass 17 people before I get really happy with my car," Kanaan told reporters after practice. "After the struggle in qualifying, we really focused on the race. Anybody who counted us out will be sorry."

Kanaan, who performs for Chip Ganassi Racing, started 12th when he won the 2013 Indy 500.

Carlos Munoz posted the second-best practice speed of 224.772 mph and Scott Dixon was third at 224.606.

"Everything was running good," Munoz said. "The conditions will be different on Sunday. Every practice and qualifying I've been on the top of the charts, but that doesn't matter."

Reigning Indy 500 champion Juan Pablo Montoya, a two-time race winner, had the 13th-best lap speed of 223.571 mph. Three-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves (223.959) was 10th.

James Hinchcliffe, who will start on the pole, was 12th at 223.925 mph.

There was one accident and it involved Pippa Mann. Her vehicle spun and crashed in Turn 4 and backed into the safety barrier.

"I'm absolutely fine," Mann said. "I just really feel sorry for the crew. I was trying to find some clean air in pack running there, got a little too low on the inside. Dropped the ball and gave them some work to do overnight.

"The good news is the damage wasn't too bad. Hopefully it's the right rear corner, rear attenuator, rear wing and that's all we have to fix."

Mann is the lone female in this year's race.