How about keep Time Trials and run, (wait for it) "NIGHT SHOWS", 3/4's of the event is run in the sun light. Some of ya's might have to miss the 10 O'clock news, but I would bet track conditions would be a lot better. Starting too early, Day Light savings time and the sun are killing your tracks, not Time Trials.

P.S..Whats the difference if you start TT at 5:30 then take an hour and a half throughout the night to keep up with the track. Just start at 7:00, then less laps will be run in the hot sun...The water truck should be on the track at 5:00, not race cars.. JMO...