Power claims Indy pole in Baltimore

2 Sep 2012, 12:38 pm   -   Source: AAP
Aussie Will Power has claimed pole position for the penultimate race of the season in Baltimore. (AAP)

Aussie Will Power has claimed pole position for the penultimate race of the season in Baltimore. (AAP)

IndyCar championship leader Will Power has claimed pole position for the penultimate race of the season in Baltimore.

Will Power's chances of securing his maiden IndyCar championship have been boosted after the Australian snatched pole position for the Grand Prix of Baltimore.

Power broke the qualifying lap record at the street circuit venue with a one minute and 17.5921 second pass before securing pole with a 1:17.9750 in the top six shootout.

It's the second year in succession that Power has claimed pole in Baltimore, after the 31-year-old claimed victory from the front row in the 2011 event.

Power goes into the penultimate race of the season with a 37-point lead over American Ryan Hunter-Reay and can seal the championship this weekend if results fall his way.

Power will be in an unassailable position if he leaves Baltimore with a 54-point lead in the series and was given a boost with Hunter-Reay qualifying in 13th, where he'll start the race alongside Power's teammate and compatriot Ryan Briscoe.

"Starting from the pole it is a lot easier to control your own destiny," said Power, who claimed 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 ... 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."

The 75-lap Grand Prix of Baltimore begins on Sunday from 2.40pm (0440 Monday AEST).

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