ping pong table: Pole Day moves onto Mother's Day, weather permitting

Racing series IRL
Date 2006-05-13

By David Reininger - Motorsport.com

Not a single wheel was turned at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the second consecutive day as a low pressure system over the mid-west continued to produced light showers throughout the day. The track officially closed just after 2:00 p.m. forcing Indy Racing League officials to postpone qualifying until Sunday afternoon.

The drivers found time to mingle with corporate guests, play games or just relax. Many found the lure of the Speedway to be too strong and couldn't stay away despite living in the area. "I like to be here," said Ed Carpenter. "I have a hard time being away from the track."

Carpenter spent some time in the Speedway Engines garage where "they have a ping pong table set up. I stopped in there to play a little."

Dario Franchitti said his "PR guys usually keep me pretty busy." Franchitti and the rest of his Andretti Green Racing teammates spent time doing TV interviews and visiting with family members of their crews. The family of each crew member was invited to lunch at one of the team's suites overlooking the front straight.

Despite the opportunity to spend extra time with team, Kanaan said the downtime was frustrating. "I feel bad for the fans and the people that have come out here and have to wait around to see what is going to happen," said Kanaan. "I'm going to sign as many autographs and visit with media as much as I can. I think once we get on track, the fans will not be disappointed, and we'll put on a good show for them."

Although the forecast calls for continued sprinkles, the low pressure system that has brought the rain has begun to move out of the area.





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