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NorthernLight IRL: Cold, Possible snow forces delay of testing until Sunday

7 April 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

INDIANAPOLIS- The Indianapolis 500 Open Test and Rookie Orientation Program will not start until April 9 due to cold temperatures and scattered snow showers forecast for the Indianapolis area April 8, Indy Racing League officials announced.

Temperatures are scheduled to reach a high in the low 40s Saturday, with lows in the high 20s.

The first day of the Open Test on April 7, reserved for the Rookie Orientation Program, was canceled by rain. Rookies now will test from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. April 9-11, with veterans testing from 1:30-5:30 p.m. those days.

The revised schedule:

SATURDAY, April 8
No track activity

SUNDAY, April 9
9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Rookie Orientation Program
1:30-5:30 p.m.: Veteran Open Practice

MONDAY, April 10
9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Rookie Orientation Program
1:30-5:30 p.m.: Veteran Open Practice

TUESDAY, April 11
9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Rookie Orientation Program
1:30-5:30 p.m.: Veteran Open Practice

Twelve rookies are scheduled to participate in ROP, a four-phase test. Rookies who pass ROP are eligible to participate in practice and qualifying for the Indianapolis 500. Twenty-four veterans are scheduled to participate in veteran testing.

The 84th Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for May 28. Opening Day is May 13, with Pole Day May 20 and Bubble Day May 21.

Text provided by Paul Kelly

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