IRL: Dario Franchitti on pole in Toronto (+photos)

Dario Franchitti (Ganassi) earned his third career pole position in Toronto today after topping the IndyCar Series' first qualifying session on the Canadian street track.

Dario Franchitti (Click on the image above to access the photo gallery)

Contrary to this morning's practice session, qualifications took place on a completely dry track. Will Power (Penske) continued his superb return to the series by claiming second with Graham Rahal (N/H/L) completing the top three.

Justin Wilson (Dale Coyne Racing), last week-end winner was also quick with fourth but the real star of the afternoon was Canadian Alex Tagliani who rounded up the top 5.

A lot of the series top contenders failed to make a good impression with Penske's Castroneves and Ryan Briscoe ending up in 10th and 11th. IndyCar leader Scott Dixon (Ganassi) was eight.

Disaster stroke as Andretti Green Racing and its drivers struggled all thru the day finishing 17th, 18th, 20th and 22nd places.

Paul Tracy (KV) may have led this morning's practice session but wrong set-ups and traffic placed him 15th on the grid.


Pos Driver Team Time

1. Dario Franchitti Ganassi 1m01.0249s
2. Will Power Penske 1m01.2851s
3. Graham Rahal Newman/Haas/Lanigan 1m01.3301s
4. Justin Wilson Coyne 1m01.5157s
5. Alex Tagliani Conquest 1m01.6980s
6. Mike Conway Dreyer & Reinbold 1m02.0090s
7. Robert Doornbos Newman/Haas/Lanigan 1m01.4419s
8. Scott Dixon Ganassi 1m01.4718s
9. Raphael Matos Luczo Dragon 1m01.5348s
10. Helio Castroneves Penske 1m01.7954s
11. Etc........
....
15. Paul Tracy KV 1m01.9730s