Motegi - Qualifying
Persistent rain has forced the Indy Racing League to cancel qualifications for the Bridgestone Indy Japan 300 at the Twin Ring Motegi circuit. Per IRL rules, the race will now start by entrant points, which places Helio Castroneves on the pole with Scott Dixon just to his outside.
IRL rules would normally call for the use of practice times but since yesterday's practice session was cut short for the second group, the unequal track time requires the use of entrant points.The last time qualifying was washed out for an IndyCar Series event was at Kentucky in 2005 with Danica Patrick earning the pole based on the practice speed rule.
The most recent race started by entrant points was at Texas in 2001, with Sam Hornish, Jr., leading the field to the green flag.Track drying operations continue with IRL officials hoping to get at least one practice completed this afternoon.
If the rains should return again, then practice will be held race morning. Current weather forecasts call for much improved conditions for Saturday, with race day temperatures in the low 60's and mostly sunny skies.The new schedule calls for practice to start at 2:30 this afternoon.