Rain causes postponement threat

Just before 4:00 p.m. local time, some two hours after the scheduled start of the 60-lap contest, Champ Car steward Beaux Barfield met the media to discuss the options for completing the race. In two efforts to start the race, a total of six laps were completed behind the Pace Car.

"Obviously we're in a very difficult predicament here today to get the event underway, keeping in mind the safety of the drivers, teams and spectators," Barfield said. "We have stopped all efforts to bring the track back until it stops raining. Until then, we're pretty much helpless and we're still in a wait and see mode.

"In the past, we've had trouble on the back straight, but there is nothing specific today - just the standing water you would expect in these rainy conditions. There is still a possibility of running on Monday, but we haven't ruled out today."

If the race is completed Sunday, Champ Car officials have announced that the distance will be cut to 47 laps.

Road America's Champ Car race has been affected by rain on several other occasions, most recently in 2001, when the race was red-flagged for standing water. The 1997 race was delayed by rain for more than two hours, and a flooded track caused the 1987 race to be rescheduled two weeks later.

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Rain causes postponement threat