Scotland's Dario Franchitti won the pole and teammate Scott Dixon of New Zealand was second-quickest Saturday in qualifying for the Sonoma Raceway IndyCar race.
Australian Will Power, who was attempting to win his fourth consecutive pole at Sonoma, grabbed the third starting spot.
Power won at Sonoma in 2010 and 2011 and was runner-up last year. The Penske driver is seeking his first win of the season.
Franchitti, a four-time champion in the North American open-wheel series, lapped the 3.84 km, 12-turn road course in 1 minute, 17.52 seconds for his fourth pole win of the season and the 33rd of his IndyCar career.
"Both Target (Chip Ganassi Racing) cars have been great all weekend," Franchitti said.
"During the Fast Six, I blew it in turn six on both laps, but I'm quite happy the time stood. I tried a little too hard in six and screwed it up. I'm happy with the pole position."
Franchitti has not won a race since the 2012 Indianapolis 500.
Dixon posted a lap time of 1:17.71 with Power just behind clocking 1:17.97.
Dixom enters this race 31 points behind leader Helio Castroneves of Brazil in the championship standings.
Ryan Hunter-Reay, the reigning series champion, qualified fourth, followed by Castroneves and Kimball.
