Kiwis Scott Dixon and Scott McLaughlin will have work to do if they're to claim the 2022 IndyCar title on Monday, as championship rival Will Power took pole position for the season-ending Grand Prix of Monterey.
Holding a 20-point lead at the top of the championship, 41-year-old Australian Power of Team Penske will start at the front of the grid in California, as he bids to win the IndyCar title for the second time in his career.
Only 41 points separates IndyCar's top five, with American Josef Newgarden of Penske, and ex-Formula One driver Marcus Ericsson of Sweden for Chip Ganassi also in the mix with the two Kiwis.
Of the fellow title contenders, McLaughlin is the next best placed to challenge Power, albeit from eighth on the grid, as the Kiwi shoots for his first championship in just his second year racing in the US.
McLaughlin enters the final race of the season 41 points adrift of teammate Power, needing results to fall his way if he's a hope of the title.
The former Supercars champion also put pen to paper on a new contract with Team Penske in the week, after also winning IndyCar's rookie of the year award in 2021.
Meanwhile, veteran Dixon qualified in 13th, sitting 20 points behind Power heading into the final race.
Dixon has won six IndyCar championships in a decorated career racing in the US, and would go level with the iconic AJ Foyt on seven titles - should he emerge triumphant on Monday.
Of the other title hopefuls, Ericsson qualified 10th, 39 points behind Power in the standings, while Newgarden starts from the last row in 25th after failing to register a time in qualifying.
Newgarden is level with Dixon on 503 points heading into the final race, 20 behind Power.
