Will Power has the horsepower to win Watkins Glen pole

Associated Press

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y.

Will Power won the pole at Watkins Glen International on Saturday to lead a sweep of the top three spots by Team Penske, which extended its IndyCar Series record of consecutive poles to eight. It also was the fifth straight pole at Watkins Glen for Penske, which has yet to post a series win in five tries at the storied road course.

“I got the car the way I like it for qualifying,” Power said after capturing his fifth pole of the season. “It’s just three quick drivers, three good engineers, and a good group of people working together. We just have to make sure we convert it during the race.”

Power covered the 11-turn, 3.4-mile course in 1 minute, 29.3164 seconds at 135.832 mph and was followed by teammates Helio Castroneves and Ryan Briscoe.

“We’re really pumped,” said Castroneves, who barely missed his fourth pole at The Glen. “It’s just a matter of now, make it happen. We have three chances to win this race. Hopefully, one of us will be able to make it.”

Defending series champion Dario Franchitti was fourth, followed by rookie Takuma Sato, who earned his top qualifying spot of the season, and defending race winner Justin Wilson.

Danica Patrick will start 21st in the 25-car field for Sunday’s Camping World Grand Prix.