Dixon claims pole for Firestone Indy 200

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2007

NASHVILLE, United States (AFP) — New Zealander Scott Dixon captured the pole for Saturday's IndyCar Series Firestone Indy 200 at Nashville Superspeedway.

Dixon, who won this race last year, lapped the 1.33-mile oval in 22.894 seconds, clocking 204.414 miles per hour to earn his second pole of the season.

The Kiwi pilot took the checkered flag last week at Watkins Glen for his first win of the year. That moved him into second place in the standings, 47 points behind leader Dario Franchitti of Scotland.

Franchitti will join Dixon on the front row of the starting grid. The Scotsman qualified second with a lap of 22.955 seconds, averaging 203.873 mph.

Tony Kanaan was third with a lap of 22.966sec. The Brazilian is third in the standings, 75 points back...