They had two rear left failure in practice and they don't know why. Ralph had another hard crash in turn 13. They flew out replacement tires, but not in time for qualifying. It is beyond me and the crowd why they didn't replace the LR after lap one. The tasteless fans are now throwing stuff on the track endangering lives.
hmmm. semi-related....75% of the blowouts on ford explorers were the right rear tire.... and later a ford line (different car but I forgot what model) had to be retooled because of the tracks being too narrow and scoring the tires...
but it was all firestones fault.