Qualifying Cancelled at Kentucky, Dixon on Pole

Sparta, KY (My Sportsbook) - Scott Dixon will start on the pole for the Meijer Indy 300 after race officials were forced to cancel qualifying at Kentucky Speedway due to water seepage on the track's surface.

Several storms have moved through the northern Kentucky area since Wednesday, dumping more than five inches of rain on the 1.5-mile track. The storms had passed on Friday, allowing crews to dry the track throughout the day, but their attempts were unsuccessful by the start time for qualifying.

Dixon, the defending IndyCar champion and last year's winner at Kentucky, was awarded the pole since entrant points determine the starting lineup. Dario Franchitti will start alongside his Chip Ganassi Racing teammate on the front row.

"We'll definitely take it any way we can get it," Dixon said. "It's a fantastic result for Team Target with a one-two start. Unfortunately, it's not the way we wanted to go about it."

Team Penske teammates Ryan Briscoe and Helio Castroneves will share row two, while Andretti Green Racing's Danica Patrick and Marco Andretti will make up the third row.

Tony Kanaan will start ninth after being cleared to drive by Indy Racing League medical officials earlier this week. Kanaan was slightly injured during last weekend's race at Edmonton, Canada when a fire in his cockpit ignited after he was doused by ethanol fuel while pitting.

Kanaan's hands didn't sustain any burns, though they were bandaged as a precaution after the incident. He has a small mark on his chin and left nostril.

Last month, qualifying at Iowa Speedway was cancelled due to drainage problems there. Severe thunderstorms moved through the Des Moines, IA area the day before qualifying at the 0.875-mile track.

Saturday's race is scheduled to start around 8:45 p.m. (et).