Watkins Glen Saturday Notebook

Another beautiful day is in store for race fans and drivers alike, partly sunny skies and comfortable temperatures are in plentiful supply at the beautiful upstate New York track…………The third IndyCar practice session is over and once again Milka Duno is slowest by a wide margin, but does that actually come as a surprise to anyone?……………..The first Indy Lights race got underway and pole sitter Franck Perera lost control on the downhill left-hander leading into the boot section, thereby ending his race against the tire barriers. Raphael Matos leads early………….Graham Rahal crashed his IndyCar yet again this weekend, and is at a loss as to why it keeps happening – "I thought I was on a pretty good lap and I thought the tires were up to temperature but when I came into Turn 7 the back end came out," said Rahal. "When I went to correct it the rear suddenly hooked up and the car just went straight and I made contact [with the barrier]. It was really strange. I just don't have a good understanding of why I am crashing every weekend. It's frustrating and embarrassing. I feel bad for all the work I have caused my crew. They are going to work hard to fix the car and I'll do my best to reward them with a good result."…………After topping morning practice by a comfortable margin, Ryan Briscoe said "I'm looking forward to qualifying. This is a great place, fast and flowing. I'm a fish back in the water on the road course now."…..Mario Dominguez thinks he was still losing 1/2-second in Turn 10. Mark C. reporting from Watkins Glen