Road course qualifying procedures altered for Long Beach

Long Beach

INDYCAR officials have modified the IZOD IndyCar Series road course qualifying procedures beginning with this weekend's race on the Streets of Long Beach, Calif.

Friday practice sessions will play a key role in determining the starting lineup for the IZOD IndyCar Series.

The times from Friday's practice sessions will be used to determine the qualifying groups with the driver posting the fastest combined practice lap time having the option of selecting qualifying group.

All odd numbered positions in practice (fastest, third-fastest, fifth-fastest, seventh-fastest, etc.) will be in one group and all even number positions in practice will make up the other group.

"This change was made at the request of the IZOD IndyCar Series drivers, who were looking for a system that enhanced the competition," said Brian Barnhart, president of competition and racing operations for INDYCAR, sanctioning body for the IZOD IndyCar Series. "It puts a premium on Friday practice sessions and helps even out that groups, which couldn't be achieved with a random draw."