Briscoe captures Kansas IndyCar pole

Ryan Briscoe captured pole position for the IndyCar Series Kansas Grand Prix Friday, denying fellow Australian Will Power's bid for a record-equalling fourth straight pole.

Power has won two of four races so far this season in addition to capturing pole for three straight events, and Briscoe didn't mind admitting he was happy to turn the tables.

Now he'll try to do the same in Saturday's race.

"Jealous I am and I'm ready to start getting my wins as well," Briscoe said.

Briscoe was one of the last drivers to make his four-lap qualifying run on a day marred by rain and hail. He averaged 212.145 mph on the 1 1/2-mile oval to earn his ninth IndyCar pole.

He'll be joined on the front row by reigning Kansas champion Scott Dixon of New Zealand.

While weather washed out one practice session and delayed another, Briscoe was fortunate that he had few adjustments to make.

"The car was fast right out of the truck," said Briscoe, who had struggled in qualifying here previously. "We did a semi-qualifying run during practice - we were lucky enough to get some clear laps in without traffic - so we were able to get a pretty good idea of where we stood with the gears and downforce. We trimmed out a little bit more between practice and qualifying and it went according to plan."

Defending IndyCar series champ Dario Franchitti of Scotland will start on the second row with Japan's Hideki Mutoh, who moved up after England's Dan Wheldon was sent to the back of the field - along with Marco Andretti - for driving under the white line.

Power, the current series points leader, qualified seventh-fastest.