Tire issues from 2008 race at Indy seem to be fixed

SPEEDWAY, Ind. | The tire problems that plagued last year's NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway were not evident during Friday's practice sessions.

Drivers and Goodyear officials reaffirmed comments made earlier this summer that they don't think tire problems will impact Sunday's race. Last year's race saw tires wear so quickly that NASCAR had to call six cautions so teams would pit and change tires before they blew.

"Tires are a non-issue," Jeff Gordon said after the second of two practice sessions Friday. "I think we need to move on to a whole new subject. It's done. They have created a great tire. If anybody has an issue with tires it's not because they're wearing out."

Greg Stucker, Goodyear's director of race tire sales, said the day's longest run on a single-set of tires was 27 laps and those tires didn't show the excessive wear that hindered the 2008 race.

Mayfield suspended again

An appeals court has ruled in NASCAR's favor, which will keep Jeremy Mayfield off the race track.

The decision by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reverses the preliminary injunction Mayfield won July 1 in federal district court. That decision allowed Mayfield the opportunity to compete.

NASCAR argued that the injunction should be reversed after he failed a second drug test for methamphetamine. Mayfield and his lawyers submitted paperwork showing he passed a drug test taken less than an hour after submitting a urine sample for the NASCAR test July 6. It wasn't enough to sway the court.

"We are pleased with the 4th Circuit Court's ruling to reinstate NASCAR's suspension of Jeremy Mayfield," NASCAR stated in a release.

"This is an important decision for NASCAR to make fair and equitable regulations for the safety of the competitors and spectators at the track. We will continue to respectfully make our case for as long as the litigation continues."

Martin fastest in practice

Mark Martin was the fastest in practice Friday with a lap of 180.643 mph. He was followed by Juan Pablo Montoya (180.581 mph), Kasey Kahne (180.245), Kevin Harvick (179.727) and Reed Sorenson (179.716).

Qualifying is set for 10:10 a.m. today and will be followed by two afternoon practice sessions. Martin will be a favorite for the pole not only for his fast time in practice but because he's third in line to qualify. The track should be cool, which is good for fast speeds.

The track should get warmer and slower as qualifying progresses.

Advice for Danica

Car owner Chip Ganassi said he recently told Danica Patrick during an hour-long meeting that she doesn't have to move to NASCAR immediately.

"My counsel to her is she's pretty close to making that last step in Indy Car Racing and she could easily do that in the next three or four or five years and still be able to do this," Ganassi said, referring to Patrick becoming one of the elite drivers in the IndyCar series. "That's my opinion."

Ganassi also said that he's confident the team will fully fund a two-car effort for next season. He would not discuss details about who might replace Martin Truex Jr. after this season. Truex is moving to Michael Waltrip Racing for next season.

Johnson shaves

Jimmie Johnson's stubble beard, which he had since the beginning of the season, is gone.

Johnson shaved while on vacation and arrived at Indianapolis with a clean look.

"On my trip, I woke up one morning and shaved," he said. "(Wife) Chandra said "What happened?' With the hot weather coming, I decided to shave it off."

Pit Stops

Dale Earnhardt Jr. was treated in the infield care center for flu-like symptoms before Friday's practice sessions. He ended early in the day's second and final practice session.... Roush Fenway Racing had no car better than 23rd in Friday's second practice session. Greg Biffle was 23rd of 46 cars on the speed charts with Matt Kenseth 26th, David Ragan 30th, Jamie McMurray 37th and Carl Edwards 38th.

- Dustin Long