Following a first race win, Dario Franchitti lost out last week starting toward the back of the field for the second race in the Texas Twin 275s. Will Power, his main competition for the championship, capitalized by starting third and taking the win, to increase his lead to 21 points in the championship hunt. Today, Franchitti took the first step toward closing the gap by taking the pole in Milwaukee.  Power, who was fastest in the first practice session, only managed 17th fastest of the qualifying runs.

“I am glad to be back at the Milwaukee Mile and this is a great place to start from for tomorrow’s race,” said Franchitti, who won the first IZOD IndyCar Series race at the historic track in 2004 by charging from the seventh starting position. “It is going to be a tough day because it is like a one-lane track out there with the marbles on side and the black asphalt lane. I think the double-file restarts will work well here at the Milwaukee Mile and the fans are in for a hell of a show.”

Helio Castroneves will start second, while Franchitti’s teammate, Scott Dixon, starts third.  KV Racing Technology put up an impressive showing, as they will start 4th through 6th in the following order: Kanaan, Sato, and Viso.

Power was happy with his start, but got loose toward the end, costing valuable time.  ”That’s a tough qualifying result for Verizon Team Penske. We were flat through turns one and two but we had a big moment there in turn three when we got loose that cost us. It’s certainly not where wanted to start the race, but we know we have a good race car and we’ll put our heads down and try to make up ground tomorrow. I love racing here in Milwaukee and it should definitely be an entertaining race for the fans.”

There’s no doubt Power’s number 12 Penske car will bounce back for the race, which will make for some great racing on Sunday.

For full qualifying results, click here.

Interview with Dario Franchitti

Interview with Helio Castroneves

Interview with Scott Dixon