Will Power has extended his IZOD IndyCar Series points lead by a further point by scoring pole for the Grand Prix of Baltimore.
The Australian now holds a commanding 37-point lead over Ryan Hunter-Reay with just two races of the season remaining. Andretti Autosport’s Hunter-Reay, could only manage 13th place on the grid.
It is the Verizon Team Penske driver’s second consecutive pole at the street circuit.
“Starting from the pole it is a lot easier to control your own destiny,” said Power after claiming his fifth pole of the season.
“We’ll focus on the job at hand and think about this race and doing the best we can, the best I can and the best that the team can. Over the last few weeks we’ve done what we needed to do and we want to continue.
“This track is physical, but it is the same for everyone. It’s going to be a good show for the Baltimore fans and we’ll be plenty busy in the cars. We’ll be looking forward not back, that’s for sure.”
Recently-announced Armor All Gold Coast 600 driver Mike Conway qualified a season-high second for A.J. Foyt Racing, but he’ll incur a 10-grid spot penalty for an unapproved Honda engine change.
New Zealander Scott Dixon, who will make his 200th IndyCar start, qualified third ahead of Sebastien Bourdais, Dario Franchitti and James Hinchcliffe.
Qualifying, Grand Prix of Baltimore
1. (12) Will Power, Dallara-Chevy, 01:17.9750 (94.184)
2. (14) Mike Conway, Dallara-Honda, 01:18.5509 (93.494)
3. (9) Scott Dixon, Dallara-Honda, 01:18.6017 (93.433)
4. (7) Sebastien Bourdais, Dallara-Chevy, 01:18.8500 (93.139)
5. (10) Dario Franchitti, Dallara-Honda, 01:18.9398 (93.033)
6. (27) James Hinchcliffe, Dallara-Chevy, 01:19.3101 (92.599)
7. (83) Charlie Kimball, Dallara-Honda, 01:19.3347 (92.570)
8. (11) Tony Kanaan, Dallara-Chevy, 01:19.6788 (92.170)
9. (18) Justin Wilson, Dallara-Honda, 01:20.3559 (91.393)
10. (67) Bruno Junqueira, Dallara-Honda, 01:20.3826 (91.363)
11. (20) Ed Carpenter, Dallara-Chevy, 01:20.4968 (91.233)
12. (77) Simon Pagenaud, Dallara-Honda, No Time (No Speed)
13. (28) Ryan Hunter-Reay, Dallara-Chevy, 01:21.7113 (89.877)
14. (2) Ryan Briscoe, Dallara-Chevy, 01:18.8872 (93.095)
15. (98) Alex Tagliani, Dallara-Honda, 01:22.2657 (89.272)
16. (3) Helio Castroneves, Dallara-Chevy, 01:18.9533 (93.017)
17. (8) Rubens Barrichello, Dallara-Chevy, 01:22.7851 (88.712)
18. (22) Oriol Servia, Dallara-Chevy, 01:19.3365 (92.568)
19. (15) Takuma Sato, Dallara-Honda, 01:24.5395 (86.871)
20. (26) Marco Andretti, Dallara-Chevy, 01:19.4192 (92.471)
21. (78) Simona de Silvestro, Dallara-Lotus, 01:27.2226 (84.198)
22. (19) James Jakes, Dallara-Honda, 01:19.5496 (92.320)
23. (38) Graham Rahal, Dallara-Honda, No Time (No Speed)
24. (5) EJ Viso, Dallara-Chevy, 01:19.8631 (91.957)
25. (4) JR Hildebrand, Dallara-Chevy, No Time (No Speed)
