Qualifying: Cheever takes first pole
Eddie Cheever scored his first Indy Racing League pole position at Fontana Superspeedway, a performance which also provided a landmark for the Nissan Infiniti engine
Along with a first pole for the TWR-developed motor, Infinitis powered four of the first six cars on the grid.
"We got the first win for the Nissan [at Pikes Peak in 2000] - now we got the first pole, so that's good for our team," Cheever said. "This is a precursor for the Indianapolis 500. Everyone will be watching to see if their cars finish the 400 miles. I'll be watching aswell."
Cheever's run knocked Jaques Lazier off the top spot, while the former grand prix driver's young team-mate Tomas Scheckter managed to take third. He will start ahead of reigning champion Sam Hornish Jr.
Robbie Buhl qualified fifth, but he won't be starting the race. Buhl crashed on his slowing down lap and suffered a concussion. He will be replaced for the race by former Chip Ganassi Racing CART star Memo Gidley.
Penske's drivers are lower down the grid than expected. Gil de Ferran is only 13th and Helio Castroneves is 16th.
For full qualifying results, click here.
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