Diamond grinding at Indianapolis
source:
irl.racing-live.com
It took two weeks longer than expected but Wednesday Firestone finally
completed its first tire test of the new surface on the famed 2.5 mile oval at
the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Firestone originally scheduled the test for April 6, but early in the test by
IndyCar Series drivers Firestone and track officials noticed unusual wear on
several right side tires. Firestone stopped the test to study the results.
After studying data delivered by Firestone, Indianapolis Motor Speedway
officials decided to diamond grind the new pavement before allowing more
testing. The decision to diamond grind the track also resulted in a Nextel Cup
test for Goodyear tires to be postponed. The Goodyear test has now been
rescheduled for next week.
Firestone returned to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Tuesday with defending
Indy 500 Champion Buddy Rice of Rahal Letterman Racing, Scott Dixon of Target
Chip Ganassi Racing, Sam Hornish Jr. of Marlboro Team Penske, Dan Wheldon of
Andretti Green Racing, and Buddy Lazier of Byrd Brothers/Panther Racing.
Drivers tested for approximately five hours on both Tuesday and Wednesday. While
no official speeds were released, unofficial times both days had all drivers at
or above the 2004 pole speed by Rice of 222.024. There was some blistering
reported, but it did not seem to concern track officials.