As the storm that hit Louisville for the first day of racing developed further, the temperatures dropped overnight and turned the deep mud into treacherous ruts and slick icy corners. The race directors shortened the course by taking out a few of the steep run ups and descents, in an effort to shorten the lengthy lap times and cut down on the need for medical assistance. Still, the first heats of the day saw rider after rider hit the hard frozen ground as they searched for safe passage around the course. Before the first World Cahampionship Race in the afternoon, the course crew was frantically moving stakes and tape, and bringing out the heavy artillery to scrape some parts of the course.

This did indeed improve lap times and allow racers to remain on the bikes for a bit longer eac lap, but the course conditions reamained sketchy throughout the day.  Course tape and stakes could be heard snapping all around the course as riders were suddenly thrown off their lines by four inch deep ruts and patches of ice thinly disguised by small amounts of snow. Although there were no serious injuries, very few came away unscathed.