Power powers way to pole at Mid-Ohio IndyCar
Saturday, August 4, 2012
LEXINGTON, Ohio (AP) -- Will Power captured his third pole of the season, holding off Dario Franchitti and rookie Simon Pagenaud to take the top qualifying spot Saturday for the IndyCar race at Mid-Ohio.
Power, ranked as the best in the series on road courses, was timed in 1 minute, 5.6474 seconds around the 2.25-mile, 13-turn layout nestled in farmland between Cleveland and Columbus. Franchitti was at 1:05.8950 and Pagenaud, making only his second appearance at the track, clocked 1:05.9038.
Scott Dixon, who has won three of the last five years at Mid-Ohio, qualified fifth. Series leader Ryan Hunter-Reay was eighth.
Officials have introduced a 5-second delay for its push-to-pass system that should allow for more passing on the narrow course.
The forecast calls for rain and cooler temperatures on Sunday.
