No grip from new Mid-Ohio surface

Slippin' and slidin' were the buzz words after Friday's qualifying for the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car races today at Mid-Ohio. Pavement at the picturesque 2.258-mile facility has some drivers scratching their heads about the best way to get around the 13-turn layout.

"[The track] is throwing a lot of curveballs at us," said David Donahue, who will start on the pole for today's 5 p.m. Grand-Am prototype feature after posting a top speed of 104.372 mph in his Porsche.

The tires are taking a long time to heat up and the drivers are not feeling any grip. Defending champ Jon Fogarty said he doubted there was much wear on the tires after afternoon practice and qualifying and didn't see the need for a tire change in the race.

"This surface is interesting," Fogarty said. "Definitely strange. I don't know what it is, but it feels really smooth."

The track was repaved in 2006.

Donahue is looking for his first victory of the season despite qualifying no worse than fourth in the first seven races. Cleveland.com