League Notes

IMS Officials Postpone Indianapolis 500 Qualifying Due To Inclement Weather

Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) officials postponed qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 until next weekend after yesterday produced a “third consecutive day of rain and with more in the forecast.” The new schedule calls for qualifying for all 33 starting positions next Saturday. IRL President & COO Brian Barnhart and IMS President Joie Chitwood said that “issues of staffing, weather, television commitments and fans being unable to attend made it a relatively easy choice” (INDIANAPOLIS STAR, 5/15). Meanwhile, Chip Ganassi Racing Owner Chip Ganassi has Sbacked off his threat to pull [the team] from the IRL at season’s end if improvements aren’t made.” Ganassi said, said that he does not have “insider knowledge regarding recent talks between” IRL CEO Tony George and Champ Car investor Kevin Kalkhoven, but he “believes the concerns of team owners have been heard.” Ganassi’s “primary concerns center on promotions and exposure” (INDY STAR, 5/15).

FIFA’S DRUG POLICY: WADA Chair Dick Pound said that FIFA “will push for its members to adopt the [WADA] code in time for the World Cup next month” (AP, 5/15).

GREY CUP: The CFL will stage the 96th Grey Cup final at Olympic Stadium in Montreal on November 23, 2008 (CFL).