Motorsports

Brickyard a challenge for Said

Boris Said has raced at most of the world's most famous racetracks, including Daytona International Speedway and the road circuit in Le Mans, France.

One major omission from his resume is the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Said, trying to make the big jump from road racing specialist to NASCAR Nextel Cup regular, will try to change that Saturday when he'll attempt to qualify for the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard.

But Said, who has a total of 17 Cup starts since 1999, including five this year, may need a little luck to go along with his skill in the No. 36 MB/Sutton Chevrolet.

The Cup part-timer doesn't have the owner points required to receive one of the 35 automatic qualifying berths for Sunday's race. He, along with approximately 20 other drivers, will be vying for the eight remaining spots in the 43-car starting field.

"History will tell you the earlier you make a qualifying run on Saturday morning, the faster you will go," he said. "So, whoever gets a low-numbered ball in the qualifying draw (Friday) will have a big advantage."

"I've seen track temperatures increase at Indy by 20 degrees from the start to the end of qualifying," said crew chief Frank Stoddard. "I've also seen temperatures only increase by 5 degrees. But, under normal conditions, the earlier the draw at Indy, the better off you'll be."

[Last modified August 4, 2005, 01:05:20]