As always, rain a threat at Portland
Rain is in the forecast today, and that could make qualifying interesting as 17 drivers try to figure out an innocent-looking 1.964-mile Portland International Raceway road course that can turn nasty and unpredictable in slippery conditions.
"It really messes things up, because you never know what to do," said three-time series champion Sebastien Bourdais, the No. 1 driver for a powerhouse Newman/Haas/Lanigan team that is seeking its 100th series victory this weekend.
Bourdais doesn't want Friday (and Saturday) to turn into a guessing game.
Rain tires or slicks?
Get out on the track early and post a fast lap, or wait and see if conditions improve?
"I hope it's either wet or dry, and not in-between," Bourdais said. "It's very frustrating for the drivers when it happens in qualifying.
"In the race, it happens at the same time for everybody so it's a different game."
Temperatures should be warmer today, in the high 60s, and the forecast is for a 10 percent chance of rain. The forecast for Saturday's qualifying is for 62 degrees with a 40 percent chance of light rain. The forecast for race day is highs in the 50s, with a 30 percent chance of rain. Oregonian