Briscoe wins pole in Chicagoland

Ryan Briscoe is all smiles after winning the pole

Penske Racing's Ryan Briscoe was the last car to qualify for Sunday's Peak Antifreeze and Motor Oil Indy 300 at Chicagoland but he knocked provisional top dog and championship point leader Scott Dixon off the pole. Dixon will start 2nd ahead of Danica Patrick, Tony Kanaan and Marco Andretti. Helio Castroneves was disqualified and he was moved to the back of the grid.

Castroneves drove below the white line many times during his run and the Ganassi team asked to have that reviewed. Scott Dixon said, "We are told by the officials to stay above the white line even before we go out, so we'll see what they do, if anything."

After review by Brian Barnhart he agreed that an infraction had occurred and the IRL disallowed the qualifying run by Helio Castroneves so instead of starting 4th, he will now start 28th.

Although Dixon just has to finish 8th to clinch the title he said he plans to go all out for the win.

"I am paid to race and I plan to go all out for that record 7th win of the season. Chip doesn't pay me to race for points and when we tried that in Sonoma it didn't look too good."

Saturday’s qualifying effort marked Briscoe’s third pole of the season and the sixth for Team Penske. Furthermore, Briscoe has started from the front row in five of the 17 races this season. “What a way to finish up this season," said Briscoe, who last appeared at the Illinois 1.5-mile oval in 2005. “The car was great right off the truck this weekend. It's a great feeling to get the pole here in Chicago."

Briscoe already has clinched fifth position in the final 2008 IndyCar Series standings in his first year with Team Penske’s IndyCar Series program. “I was able to turn things around and get some really good, strong races off this year," said Briscoe about his successful season, which included two wins (Milwaukee, Mid-Ohio) and multiple top-ten finishes. “I really felt as though I've seen what's gone on and I've been becoming more competitive and more consistent. The big focus for me has been on the ovals, just really preparing myself for next year. I'm looking forward to a strong race tomorrow."

The championship deciding IndyCar PEAK Antifreeze & Motor Oil Indy 300 race will be televised live Sunday at 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm ET on ABC.

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