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Bumpy Road For IndyCars In Baltimore

Baltimore, Md. – The Grand Prix of Baltimore got off to a rough start Friday when the IndyCars got airborne during the opening round of practice for Sunday’s 200 mile race through the streets of downtown Baltimore. A year ago, a chicane was installed on the front-stretch to slow the cars when they crossed the railroad tracks. For the 2012 edition, the chicane had been eliminated based on recommendations by the drivers.

As soon as the cars took to the track, the IZOD IndyCar Series officials realized that a chicane or a similar obstacle was needed to keep the front wheels of the cars on the track. As a result, the initial practice round was shortened and officials had to decide upon a course of action. They tried smoothing out the track near the tracks and when that didn’t produce the results desired, a temporary tire barrier was installed, so a second round of practice could be held.

Simon Pagenaud was one of those who experienced a problem during practice. Upon traversing the tracks, the front end of his car lifted up and according to some, the car’s front wheels may have lifted by 8 inches.

Said Pagenaud, “I saw the sky for a second but I didn’t have time to think. I got some big air under the car, and I am sure you will see it on U-tube. The tub was the first thing to hit the ground, and luckily, the new cars are much better (sturdier). It was a very harsh landing, but that’s racing.” He went on to say that the Baltimore is a street circuit and anything can happen on this type of track. “I am certain the IndyCar officials will fix it, and we will go forward.”

According to Beaux Barfield, IndyCar director of competition, a two-curb chicane will be installed by Saturday morning, which will allow for a full day of activity. “I was very sure I was going to stick with my two-chicane program,” Barfield said after the second practice session ended. “With the new chicane being installed tonight, I think they will be able to out and adapt pretty quickly and we should have a good practice session in the morning.”

When the tire barriers were installed, it allowed IndyCar to run a 30-minute practice session. Championship leader Will Power led both practice sessions and set himself up as the race favorite for Sunday’s event.

Power’s top speed was 90.646 miles per hour and Marco Andretti was second fast at 90.643 mph with Rubens Barrichello third at 90.219 mph.
Pagenaud held down the fourth spot at 90.123 mph, and the Frenchman said he was pleased with the temporary revisions made to the track.

Speeds on the first day of practice usually set the order of the qualifying order but today’s speeds are being nullified in favor of Saturday’s morning’s practice times.

The IndyCars will practice on Saturday morning and will qualify at noon ET.

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