IndyCar Series news

Franchitti snatches Miami pole from Dixon

Dario Franchitti raised several eyebrows by delivering the fastest lap to take pole position away from oval expert and Target Chip Ganassi team-mate Scott Dixon as the championship-deciding qualifying session finishes with all three contenders at the front of the grid in Homestead.

With Miami's race being scene of the 2009 triangular finale, Dixon - who led both practice sessions earlier in the day - was forced to settle for second best as his Scottish team-mate led the way with a final four-lap mean qualifying time of 1:40.537. Briscoe starts third to confirm a real race to the crown, although Penske partner Castroneves is only 11th following a big crash in second practice.

Ed Carpenter hauled the Vision Racing car up to fourth place, just behind the championship battle, with Britain's Alex Lloyd again impressing to start the season's final race from a top five grid slot.

Three Americans line up next with Rahal, Patrick and Andretti together as Brazilians Matos and Moraes round out the top ten ahead of compatriot Castroneves, whose car was repaired in little time after a suspension failure caused a heavy impact earlier in the day

Jaques Lazier's miserable time unfortunately continued and the 3G driver has nothing to lose from 23rd and last on the grid. All eyes will be focussed on the front, however, as the 2009 IndyCar Series prepares to be sewn up.


Title situation ahead of Saturday's showdown:

1. Dixon / Target Chip Ganassi - 2nd on grid - 570 pts
2. Franchitti / Target Chip Ganassi - pole position - 566 pts
3. Briscoe / Penske - 3rd on grid - 562 pts

more news

• 19 Nov.
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  • 'Power stays with Penske for 2010'
• 06 Nov.
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• 04 Nov.
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• 27 Oct.
  • Wheldon to stay with Panther in 2010
• 19 Oct.
  • GPUpdate TV: IndyCar Series - Highlights of 2009
• 14 Oct.
  • GPUpdate TV: Franchitti wins thrilling championship decider
• 10 Oct.
  • Photos: Saturday in Miami
  • 'Pretty frustrating' outcome for Briscoe
  • Dixon predicted fate before race
  • Franchitti dedicates title to Greg Moore
  • Franchitti wins IndyCar championship at Homestead
• 09 Oct.
  • Franchitti snatches Miami pole from Dixon
  • Top 3 still on top as Penske suffers blow
  • Photos: Friday in Miami
  • Championship contenders lead first Miami practice
  • GPUpdate TV: Climax in triangular Indy shootout
• 30 Sep.
  • Meira looking forward to 2010 comeback
• 25 Sep.
  • Patrick signs fresh 3-year deal with AGR
• 21 Sep.
  • GPUpdate TV: Dixon takes charge at Motegi
• 19 Sep.
  • Photos: Saturday at Motegi
  • Briscoe still confident for Homestead
  • Dixon wins Indy Japan 300
• 18 Sep.
  • Photos: Friday at Motegi
  • Dixon on pole at Motegi
  • Ganassi lock-out second Motegi session
  • Castroneves leads first Motegi practice
• 17 Sep.
  • Special tyre for Japanese race
  • Barrett returns at Motegi
• 03 Sep.
  • Power on the road to recovery
  • Indy Lights Champion Lloyd to race in Miami
• 31 Aug.
  • Moraes delighted with 'amazing' podium
  • 'We've all seen this movie' - Dixon
  • Briscoe: We've got to keep it together
  • GPUpdate TV: Briscoe beats Dixon by a whisker
• 30 Aug.
  • Photos: Sunday at Chicagoland Speedway
  • Briscoe wins Chicago thriller by a whisker
• 28 Aug.
  • Photos: Friday at Chicagoland Speedway
  • Briscoe and Penske lockout Chicago front row
  • Dixon sets early pace at Chicagoland

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