IRL: Firestone Racing Gateway Saturday notes

After rain swept through the St. Louis area again today, Indy Racing League officials decided to set the starting grid for Sunday's Gateway Indy 250 based on points. Teams were able to practice in the afternoon, accumulating seat time on the relatively green track.

Quote from Joe Barbieri, Firestone Racing Project Supervisor: "The off and on rain yesterday and today washed away rubber from the asphalt, giving drivers and teams more of a challenge in adapting to a green track. Fortunately, the Firehawk compound/construction combination for this race is not unknown to most of the field since we used this same tire at Homestead, Pikes Peak and Nashville. In the abbreviated practice times of the last two days, the proven performance of this Firehawk was a reliable foundation for them to set-up their cars. We know the rubber from the Dayton Indy Lights series won't pose any compatibility problems tomorrow, and we don't believe the rubber from the USAC cars will impose any major handling difficulties. We're expecting a great race Sunday, with some good two-abreast action and lots of passing. It should be a good event for the fans."

Quote from Hemelgarn Racing Team Owner Ron Hemelgarn: "The cars came up to speed right away. Even though the track was green, the Firestone's were great; they worked really well. We're ready to go."

Quote from Team Menard Driver Jacques Lazier: "The tires are awesome, just awesome; they're exactly what I need. I was flat out in three and four in race trim, lifted just a little going into one and two, so we have the car close to where we want it. It was very helpful to us that we'd used this tire before." <pre> Temperature Information (F) 12:00 86Â 96Â 1:00 89Â 120Â 1:30 89Â 128Â

-Firestone Racing