Copyright 2003, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

AMA Supersport practice started at approximately 11:20 a.m. Friday at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California, was stopped 11 minutes later and was re-started again minutes later.

Practice was delayed due to a wet track caused by overnight rains, practice was then stopped for more light rain and at post time Supersport riders were being called back out to continue the stopped practice.

“There were some areas of standing water,” said AMA Pro Racing Vice President, Director of Communications Kerry Graeber, when asked about the delay to the start of Friday practice. “We were not comfortable with putting bikes on a damp track.

“According to Ron Barrick (AMA Pro Racing Series Manager), this track has too many different racing surfaces, and it doesn’t hold water well. The track cannot be run in the wet.”

A complete resurfacing of the Infineon Raceway road course is planned for the off-season, and AMA Pro Racing hopes the new surface will allow racing in the rain.

When practice started AMA Pro Racing timing and scoring appeared to be functioning properly.

Before the most recent rain and delay, AMA Pro Racing had issued the following revised Friday schedule:

11:20 a.m. – 1:20 p.m. Practice:

1. Pro Honda Oils Supersport
2. Lockhart-Phillips USA Formula Xtreme
3. Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock
4. MBNA 250cc Grand Prix

1:30 – 2:10 p.m. Chevy Trucks Superbike Practice

2:10 – 2:40 p.m. Lunch Break

2:20 p.m. Mandatory Rider Briefing for All Classes

2:40 – 4:00 Practice (same order as morning session)

4:10 – 4:50 p.m. Chevy Trucks Superbike Qualifying

5:00 – 5:30 p.m. Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock Qualifying, Even #s

5:40 – 6:10 p.m. Genuine Suzuki Accessories Superstock Qualifying, Odd #s