By Andrew Cutler
March 14 2010

Dario Franchitti opens up the defense of his 2009 IndyCar Series championship in fine fashion by capturing the pole for the start of today's Sao Paulo Indy 300. Qualifying, which was to have taken place yesterday, was postponed until this morning owing to traction (as in lack thereof) issues with the concrete surface at the start/finish area.

As has frequently proven to be the case over the past few seasons, road/street course qualifying has again helped some of the smaller IndyCar squads 'punch above the weight class' and earn starting spots well up the grid from where one would normally expect to see them. Next to Franchitti (1.27.7354) on the front row will be Alex Tagliani (1.27.7676), driving for (and co-owner of) first-year squad FAZZT Race Team. Justin Wilson (1.27.8183), who is always a threat on the non-ovals, put his Dreyer & Rheinbold car in the third starting spot.

The next three grid spots went to Ryan Hunter-Reay (Andretti), Will Power (Penske) and Tony Kanaan (Andretti), no doubt a hometown favorite among the fans. Tops among the rookies were former F1 driver Takuma Sato, starting 10th, and Simona de Silvestro in 11th; the top grid spot among the four female drivers.

The Sao Paulo Indy 300 will start at noon ET today. if you can not get broadcast Tv coverage where you are, you can follow the action via video streaming at www.indycar.com.

Enjoy.