Power breaks Andretti qualifying record in pursuit of title

By JENNA FRYER
AP Auto Racing Writer
MONTEREY, Calif. (AP) — Will Power broke Mario Andretti’s record for poles on the day he most needed a big run. The greatest qualifier in IndyCar history is now one step closer to a second championship. Power grabbed his 68th career pole with Andretti watching from pit lane Saturday at Laguna Seca Raceway. The pole-winning run gave Power one additional point in the standings. The current IndyCar leader heads into Sunday’s finale up 21 points over both Team Penske teammate Josef Newgarden and six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon. Indianapolis 500 winner Marcus Ericsson is 40 points out and McLaughlin trails by 42 in what remains the closest IndyCar championship race since 2003.