CART Changes Road-Course Qualifying Format
©2002 SpeedCenter Publishing

Will go into effect immediately

ELKHART LAKE, Wisc. (August 18, 2002) - In an effort to provide fans of the CART FedEx Championship Series with as much on-track action as possible, Championship Auto Racing Teams Inc. announced changes to its road-course qualifying procedures that will go into effect immediately.

Beginning with next weekend's Molson Indy Montreal, the 60-minute sessions on Friday and Saturday have been modified to give drivers 35 minutes of qualifying time. The sessions will still be 60 minutes long, but will start with a short open practice to be followed by a break in which teams can work on their cars. Teams can use tires other than their qualifying tires during the practice session, and will have the opportunity to change tires during the break.

The break will be followed by 35 minutes of qualifying with 30 minutes of guaranteed green flag time. Drivers will still have a maximum of 15 laps per session with the current rules regarding red flags and stoppages remaining in effect.

"We wanted to find a way to give the fans more on-track action during qualifying, and the practice session also allows us to put down some compatible rubber on the track prior to qualifying," said CART Vice-President of Operations John Lopes. "We feel these changes will help the teams as well and provide more enjoyment for the fans that come to watch the CART FedEx Championship Series."


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