Laguna Seca starting lineup: Will Power passes Mario Andretti with record pole

MONTEREY, California — Will Power broke Mario Andretti’s record for poles on the day he most needed a big run, taking the top spot in the starting lineup at Laguna Seca for the IndyCar season finale.

The greatest qualifier in IndyCar history — and points leader — 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. Andretti made his way to Power’s car and gave him a thumbs-up, while Team Penske teammate Scott McLaughlin hopped on the side of Power’s car to give him a high-five.

QUALIFYING RESULTS: Click here for Laguna Seca qualifying speeds | Round 1, Group 1 | Round 1, Group 2 | Round 2 l Round 3

BLACKS OR REDS: Starting lineup with tire designations

INDYCAR AT LAGUNA SECA: Details for watching Sunday on NBC

“Didn’t even occur to me until they told me. I can’t celebrate so much because I’ve got to be ready for (the finale),” said Power, who won his fifth pole of the season to break the mark.

Andretti eventually made his way to the staging area where the Australian was being celebrated for the pole-winning run.

The greatest qualifiers of all time in #INDYCAR.@12WillPower: 68 poles@MarioAndretti: 67 pic.twitter.com/E37OQdwckz

— INDYCAR on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) September 10, 2022

“I tell you, to see Mario Andretti walk up the pits and shake his hand, that’s something I’ll remember,” said Roger Penske, owner of Power’s car.

Andretti, who was also passed this year for second on the wins list by Scott Dixon, was pleased for Power.

“I know how much I love qualifying and he’s the same,” Andretti said. “It was coming. It’s beautiful. It’s great for the sport, and records are meant to be broken.”

'@MarioAndretti was there to see