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Power takes top qualifying spot from Castroneves

Team Penske took the top three spots in qualifying on Friday for the IZOD IndyCar series' MAVTV 500 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif.

Will Power had the fastest qualifying average speed for Saturday's race at 220.775 mph, knocking teammate Helio Castroneves out of the top spot.

Castroneves was leading with a two-lap average of 219.677 mph when Power claimed his third pole of the season while trying to keep Scott Dixon, who is ahead of Castronoves in the battle for the season championship, from taking it. That prevented Castroneves from picking up an extra point in the title chase that goes to the fastest qualifier.

"Obviously, it would've been nice for Helio to get the point, but Scott didn't," Power said. "That kind of still keeps it alive."

Penske's third driver, AJ Allmendinger, was third fastest at 218.894. He was followed by Sebastien Bourdais at 218.513, Charlie Kimball at 217.986, and James Jakes and Dixon at 217.979.

Castroneves, Dixon and four other cars decided to change engines before qualifying and will receive a 10-position penalty on the starting grid.

Dixon is in position to take the season title with a finish of fifth place or better. Castroneves has to finish nine or more spots higher than Dixon in Saturday's race to win his first series championship.

"We're going to race as hard as we can and see what happens," Castroneves said. "We just have to go for it."