Announced by IRL officials
source:
irl.racing-live.comA unique and
entertaining road course qualifying procedure, which essentially begins when
cars hit the track, highlights several IRL IndyCar® Series rule changes
announced by Indy Racing League officials.
Unlike the 14 oval events, each practice will play a key role in determining the
starting field at the three road and street course events on the 2005 schedule.
All entered cars will participate in the initial practice session of the race
weekend with times determining the two groups that will be used in the remaining
pre-qualifying sessions.
Friday practice times will also determine the event qualifying order, with the
driver posting the fastest combined time from the first day of practice having
the option of driving first or last in single-lap qualifying.
At the conclusion of single-lap qualifying, the fastest six cars will
participate in a 10-minute, European-style session to determine the first three
rows.
"We're excited about this unique qualifying format for our road course events in
2005," said Brian Barnhart, president of the Indy Racing League. "The format
will allow our drivers to showcase the speed, drama and all-out competition of
the IndyCar Series."
In addition to the qualifying procedure, several other rules
apply only at the road/street races.