Qualifying at Sao Paulo postponed

Autoracing Betting Lines

03/13/2010 - Sao Paulo, Brazil (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Poor track conditions forced Indy Racing League officials to postpone qualifying for the IZOD IndyCar Series season- opener on the streets of Sao Paulo until Sunday morning.

Officials made the decision after receiving driver feedback relating to the slippery concrete along the front straightaway portion of the track. Drivers also complained of very bumpy conditions in the same section of the 2.6-mile, 11-turn street circuit.

Part of the straight rests on an area referred to as the Anbembi Sambodromo, which is one-third of a mile in length. The track surface in that section recently was painted for an annual spring carnival in Sao Paulo.

IRL president of competition and racing operations Brian Barnhart met with teams to ensure them of a safe racing environment.

"We continue to work with circuit designer Tony Cotman and the promoter to fine tune the track with the feedback we've received from the drivers," the IRL said in a statement. "This process is no different than any other new circuit we visit for the first time."

A third practice session was underway at the time qualifying had been scheduled. Track personnel will bring in grinding equipment and work on the track's surface overnight.

Eight drivers, including reigning series champion Dario Franchitti, spun and crashed during the first two practice sessions.

"It is so bumpy," Franchitti said. "We expected it to be somewhat bumpy, but it's crazy. Combine that with the front straight, we're actually going up the straight with the wheels spinning in fifth gear. It's literally like an ice rink on the start-finish straight."

Scott Dixon led the way in the second practice with a best lap time of one minute, 32.7369 seconds. Dixon also topped the time charts in Friday's opening practice.

Drivers will take part in a brief practice period before qualifying for the Sao Paulo Indy 300 begins at 7:30 a.m. (et).

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