Australia’s Will Power claimed the early edge in his IndyCar championship showdown with American Ryan Hunter-Reay in California this weekend.
Power, who holds a 17-point lead in the championship ahead of Hunter-Reay going into Saturday night’s (Sunday 1050 AEST) finale in Fontana, has qualified in front of his rival for the 500-mile night race.
The Toowoomba product blasted his way to the third best time in Friday’s (Saturday AM AEST) qualifying run, though his starting position will be different due to being one of several drivers facing a 10-position penalty for making an unscheduled engine change.
Hunter-Reay is also facing a penalty and is looking at a start right at the back of the 26-car field after only managing the 17th-best time in qualifying.
It gives Power a big advantage going into the race as the two-time championship runner-up only has to finish ahead of Hunter-Reay to take out his maiden IndyCar crown.
But after last-day disappointments the past two years, where Power has led going into the final race only to lose the title, the 31-year-old wasn’t counting his chickens just yet.
“It’s one of those races where you can be a half-lap down and come back to win the race,” he said.
“It’s a 500-mile race. We are focused on the things we can control.
“We are going to do what we can and see how it ends up. Just hang in there, just stay there and hopefully have a shot.”
Marco Andretti took pole position for the race, with Power’s Australian teammate Ryan Briscoe qualifying second.
With neither driver facing a grid penalty, both will retain their spots on the front-row.
“I had confidence coming into qualifying,” said Briscoe, who comes into the race in form after his victory at Sonoma recently.
“The car’s been strong. Pretty happy with that – to be starting at the front. 500 miles is going to be exciting.”