| Indy MotoGP Race Red Flagged
As canopies began to tear up, and the air fence blew up exposing the concrete wall, the rain came pouring back down and ended the first ever Indianapolis MotoGP eight laps early.
Drenched fans were crossing their fingers as a five lap sprint race was briefly considered as an alternative to the red flag ending; MotoGP races are usually not ended until the checkered flag has waved, however the wind wreaked havoc, tearing up everything in sight and blowing debris on the track.
By the time the red flag waved Valentino Rossi had taken the lead from Nicky Hayden. Prior to that Hayden kept the crowd entertained by making a pass for the lead in front of the grandstands, whizzing by in his Indianapolis Colts tribute helmet. After Rossi passed him, he stayed close for a few laps, and then suddenly lost three seconds in just one pass. Lorenzo, who was several seconds back in a lonely third, suddenly was back in the picture battling Hayden for second. Moments before the red flag waved, Lorenzo took his first look up the inside of the track but Hayden held him off.
Stoner started off strong, leading the race momentarily before fading back and giving up any hope of landing on the podium.
As the race suddenly ended, fans and riders stood around waiting to see if the race would be restarted. The wind was so bad umbrellas turned inside out and trash blew on the track, and the race day was called to an end after 20 of 28 laps. Riders were awarded full points, with Rossi in first, Hayden in second, and Lorenzo third.
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09-15-2008
