Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama Postponed Due to Rain

BIRMINGHAM -- The Honda Indy Grand Prix started in the rain but was halted after 22 laps due to unsafe conditions at Barber Motorsports Park today. It will be resumed tomorrow at 12 p.m. ET. It will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Network starting at 11:30 a.m. ET.

Tony Kanaan will restart in 20th. He had been as high as 14th but he had to pit under caution to due to some electrical problems. While the crew attempted repairs, he lost a lap.

“Very difficult day for us,” Kanaan said. “In the race we were 14th at the time and we had some electrical issues so that caused us to pit and we lost a lap. Not the ideal situation but we don’t give up. There’s still a race tomorrow and we’re going to go for the most points. Anything can happen.”

Matheus “Matt” Leist will restart 18th on the lead lap. Leist also had some problems at the start and started the race nearly half a lap down but several full course cautions allowed him to close the gap.

“Tough day so far,” said Leist. “We had some problems with our radio and fuel alarm but otherwise the car was alright. It was just too dangerous out there, we couldn’t see anything so I think they made the right call. Hopefully we’ll have a good race tomorrow.”

Josef Newgarden retained his place at the head of the field. Rounding out the top five are: Sebastien Bourdais, Ryan Hunter-Reay, Alexander Rossi and James Hinchcliffe.

The race is scheduled for 90 laps or two hours. However if inclement conditions continue tomorrow, the race will be considered final after 46 laps or just over one hour. The time of the race today reached about 45 minutes, so the cars would only need to run just over 16 minutes tomorrow for the race to be considered complete. Weather conditions are expected to be better tomorrow.