A B717 veered sharply left at approximately 60 kts after takeoff thrust was set. The Captain rejected the takeoff and returned to the gate.

Narrative

All flight activities for a departure on Runway XXR were normal up until the takeoff roll. At approximately 60 KIAS when the First Officer called 'Thrust Normal'; the aircraft veered sharply left and departed the center line of the runway by 10-15 feet. I did not feel any control inputs on the rudder or other flight controls. I did not hear or see any abnormal engine or system indications. The First Officer stated that all engine parameters were normal. As Pilot Flying; I corrected back to centerline using rudder pedal; nosewheel steering. The pedal forces seemed higher than normal to steer the aircraft to the right. It felt as if the aircraft continued to want to veer to the left. At that point; I aborted the takeoff. Airspeed was approximately 75 KIAS. We taxied off the runway; stopped the aircraft; briefed the passengers and called Operations and was assigned a gate. All taxi operations were normal; with no abnormal control feel or actions. We called the Tower ATC and asked whether or not there were any wind gusts at the time of our takeoff. The controller stated the wind was 280 at 7 knots. After engine shutdown at the gate; I entered the discrepancy into the Maintenance Log Book and debriefed the Dispatcher and Maintenance Controller. I conducted a walk -around of the aircraft at the gate. There was no unusual indications of a tire or brake problem. No flight controls appeared out of position. At the time the crew left the aircraft; maintenance technicians were still evaluating the aircraft.