In the past, there was never much question about whether or not AMA Pro Racing could run in the rain at Infineon Raceway. Then, the dragstrip made up a portion of the road course, and the chemicals used to enhance traction on the drag strip in the dry made the surface incredibly slippery when wet. And on top of that, safety on the then-2.5-mile road course was questionable in the dry, mainly due to a lack of run-off room in many corners. Since that time numerous changes have been made to increase the level of safety at Infineon Raceway, including re-arranging the track to completely avoid using the drag strip. This all led to Leo Vince/Pegram Racing Honda’s Larry Pegram asking AMA Pro Racing Road Race Series Manager Ron Barrick during Friday’s rider’s meeting, “Why don’t we ride here in the rain?” “As you know, the track continues to make improvements to its safety,” said Barrick, offering his answer to the entire gathering. “It’s getting close to the point, I think, where we could start riding here in the rain if they’re able to make a couple more improvements.” Barrick pointed out the kink in the front straightaway, turn 12, which has concrete walls on either side “and a couple of other spots.” Barrick added that he would get together with riders during the weekend so they could point out areas on the Infineon Raceway road course that needed addressing before they could ride there in the rain. An informal poll was then taken, with riders who would ride in the rain at Infineon Raceway asked to raise their hands. Riders who did not want to ride in the rain were then asked to raise their hands. Riders were roughly split, but several of the factory riders did not attend the rider’s meeting, as per usual. AFM, the local club, does not race in the rain at Infineon Raceway.