Nascar

Simon Pagenaud earns pole at Fontana, Helio Castroneves gives Team Penske top 2 spots

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Simon Pagenaud, right, from France, speaks with a crew member following the opening practice session, Friday morning, June 26, 2015, for the IndyCar auto race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif. (AP Photo/Will Lester) (The Associated Press)

Juan Pablo Montoya (2), from Colombia, leads teammate Simon Pagenaud (22), from France, towards turn one during the opening practice session, Friday morning, June 26, 2015, for the IndyCar auto race at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif. (AP Photo/Will Lester) (The Associated Press)

Simon Pagenaud will start on the pole Saturday night in IndyCar's 500-mile race at Auto Club Speedway.

Pagenaud had a two-lap average of 218.952 mph on the 2-mile oval Friday to earn his second career pole. He also topped qualifying in Houston in 2014.

Helio Castroneves was right behind him, giving Team Penske both spots on the front row.

Marco Andretti was third, Ed Carpenter fourth and points leader Juan Pablo Montoya gave Team Penske three of the top five spots.

Team Penske has dominated the series so far this season, entering this weekend's race with three of the top four drivers in points.

Chip Ganassi Racing's Scott Dixon, third in the points, finished sixth.