Scott Dixon nails fourth career Indy 500 pole

©IndyCar

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©IndyCar

Scott Dixon powered to his fourth Indy 500 pole on Sunday, the Chip Ganassi Racing and six-time IndyCar champion clocking in with a record four-lap average speed of 231.685 mph.

CGR slotted four of its cars among the top nine in Sunday's shootout, but Dixon's closest contender in the four-lap mad dash was Andretti Autosport's Colton Herta who averaged 231.655 mph.

Ed Carpenter Racing's Rinus VeeKay completed the front row for next Sunday's 105th running of the "500" with an average speed of 231.511 mph.

"Winning a pole at the Indianapolis 500 is one of the toughest things to do," said Dixon who won the indy 500 in 2008.

"From a team standpoint, just how much work and effort goes into building these cars specifically for that pole run, it's a lot of money and a lot of effort that it takes.

"We've been on the other side of it. We've had them before, but we've started well in the pack, too, where you can't figure out why you're in that position.

"Definitely feel good for the team. I know the team is going to be proud of what we achieved today. Again, it's just the starting position. We have to work on the rest."

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.