Pole Day postponed until Sunday

Indy Racing League officials called off the day's activities just one hour into the scheduled qualifying session. The session has been rescheduled until 6pm UK time on Sunday, and the track will adhere to its original six-hour schedule.

"It's important, but not that important," said Tony Kanaan, one of the favourites to win the pole. "It gives you a lot of attention for two weeks, but we're concentrating on the race."

The delay means that the total qualifying will be cut to just two days. IRL officials have said that no extra sessions will be added to make up for today's cancellation, leaving just tomorrow's six-hour session and the infamous Bump Day on May 18.

"If it's not today, it's tomorrow," said driver Greg Ray. "We're prepared."

Local weather forecasts have predictede a dramatic drop in temperature on Sunday.