Elephant race at New Hampshire cancelled

Yes, that's right, the track had to cancel its elephant race that was planned to be a part of Sunday's pre-race show.

Here's the release from the track:

Due to last-minute permit issues, the elephant race scheduled as part of the pre-race activities Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway has been cancelled.

"We didn't know until late yesterday that there were pachyderm permits required to move an elephant across state lines, and apparently, there are some health certifications required as well," said Jerry Gappens, executive vice president and general manager of the speedway. "We're disappointed, but we simply don't have the time to comply properly with all the federal procedures.

"Even without elephants frolicking on the frontstretch, race fans will still see the most entertaining pre-race show in the history of the track Sunday with the Kansas concert and motorcycle stunt show."

As for other news:

Clint Bowyer says he's signed a 3-year contract extension with Richard Childress Racing.

Rain interrupted qualifying. They had gotten 24 of the 45 drivers qualified when a downpour hit the track. Reed Sorenson is the fastest so far with Denny Hamlin second and Jamie McMurray third. Among those who have not gone yet are Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Matt Kenseth.

6:30 p.m. UPDATE. Qualifying resumed and is over.

Here's what the front looks like:

1. Patrick Carpentier ... 129.776 mph

2. Bobby Labonte ... 129.059

3. Kevin Harvick ... 128.976

4. Scott Riggs ... 128.976

5. Dale Earnhardt Jr. ... 128.885

6. Reed Sorenson ... 128.828

7.  Dario Franchitti ... 128.824

8. Martin Truex Jr. ... 128.645

9. Matt Kenseth ... 128.624

ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here and for following agreed-upon rules of civility. Comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its Web sites. Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the "Report Violation" link below the comment to alert an editor. Update on new comment functions.