By Times wires, FRANK PASTOR
Published December 20, 2003
INDIANAPOLIS - The Indy Racing League eliminated private testing, one of several rule changes aimed at cutting costs.
A minimum of four tests will be conducted by IRL and engine makers.
The changes come two months after Tony Renna was killed in a crash during a private test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. An IRL report issued Friday said driver error likely was to blame.
Still, IRL said the changes were made to cut costs for travel, track rental and other expenses and to ensure fair competition.
Also, for two-day race weekends, a team must use the same engine for practice, qualifying and the race. On three-day weekends, a team may change engines before qualifying but must keep the same engine after that. If a team changes engines after qualifying, it must start the race from the back of the field.
IRL also reduced the capacity of the fuel tank from 35 to 30 gallons and limited the use of a backup car to five laps on weekends unless the primary car is damaged in an accident.
SAFETY: Texas Motor Speedway will spend $400,000 to upgrade its catch-fence system. A 10-foot catch-fence with steel cables atop the existing 3-foot inner crash wall surrounding the infield will be built. The work comes in the wake of Kenny Brack's car flying into the metal fence during an IRL race Oct. 12. The fence prevented a wheel and piece of suspension from flying into the empty backstretch grandstands, but carbon-fiber shrapnel was spread across nearly a quarter-mile.
BOXING: Ex-champ hospitalized
Former five-time world champion Johnny Tapia was taken to a hospital for treatment of what police said was a possible overdose of pills. Tapia, who has a history of drug abuse, was in satisfactory condition.
FIGHT OFF: Fernando Vargas pulled out of his scheduled Feb. 21 fight against former 154-pound champion Javier Castillejo because of a bad back. No makeup date was announced.
TYSON CASE: A judge rejected Mike Tyson's bid to have his assault case thrown out and ordered a Jan. 20 trial date. A separate trial will begin on the same day for the two men charged with menacing Tyson before he is accused of attacking them.
SOCCER: Brazil wins youth title
Brazil won the World Youth Championship for the fourth time, beating Spain 1-0 on a header by Fernandinhoe in the 87th minute in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Colombia beat Argentina 2-1 for third. Ed Johnson, who plays for Dallas of MLS, became the first American to win the scoring title with four goals in five games.
BANNED: FIFA said women cannot play in Italy's top league, thwarting a bid by Perugia to insert Birgit Prinz in January. FIFA said men and women can play together only in nonpro leagues and up to 12 years old.
SUSPENSION: Manchester United star defender Rio Ferdinand was suspended for eight months and fined $87,000 for failing to take a drug test. His suspension starts Jan. 12, meaning he will miss the European Championship. He has 14 days to appeal.
TENNIS: Dome for Wimbledon?
The All England Club called a news conference for Jan. 6 to announce "innovative plans for the Centre Court of the future" at Wimbledon. Several newspapers have reported the Club will build a roof to end rain delays.
SRICHAPHAN STRUGGLES: Paradorn Srichaphan lost his third consecutive match of an exhibition tour of his native Thailand, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2 to Marcelo Rios. Srichaphan lost to Taylor Dent on Monday and Wednesday.
ET CETERA
ARENA FOOTBALL: The Storm signed former Gators and Falcons cornerback Elijah Williams. He is expected to compete with Del Lee at the defensive specialist spot of Omarr Smith, who signed with San Jose.
BASKETBALL: Ex-Harlem Globetrotter Clyde Austin pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering charges related to a scheme that duped investors out of $20-million. The deal calls for Austin to make restitution and cooperate in the prosecution of the co-defendants. He is scheduled to be sentenced March 18.
TRACK: Former star Carl Lewis was sentenced to three years of probation and 200 hours of community service and fined $500 after pleading no contest to a misdemeanor speeding charge. The charge stems from a crash April 21. Drunken driving charges were dropped earlier.
