Source: Indy Racing Public Relations
Date: 08/16/2005

SONOMA, California -- Indy Racing League officials have adopted a new and unique qualifying format for road-course races on the 2005 schedule that will certainly add to the excitement level when the series visits Infineon Raceway for the Argent Mortgage Indy Grand Prix, Aug. 26-28.

Unlike the oval events, each practice session on the road courses will play a critical role in determining the starting lineup for the IRL IndyCar Series®. The times from Friday’s practice sessions will be used to 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. This format will certainly add to the excitement level for race fans.

“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®.”

The IRL will compete at a permanent road-course facility for the first time in its 10-year history when the series visits Infineon Raceway, Aug. 26-28. It will also mark the IRL’s first-ever visit to Northern California.

In addition to qualifying changes, the mandatory minimum weight of cars will be 1,600 pounds for road races, 75 pounds heavier than the oval minimum weight. The additional weight is attributed to the brake system, which will consist of an aluminum brake caliper, steel rotor and pad as specified by the IRL, as well as the limited slip differential in the gearbox.

For a complete list of other technical changes that have been made to further contain costs, level the playing field and increase the safety of the IndyCar Series® cars, please visit www.indyracing.com.

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