ELKHART LAKE, Wis., Aug. 17 (UPI) -- Defending champion Bruno Junqueira overcame a final-lap accident Saturday to earn the pole position for Sunday's CART Motorola 220 title at Road America.
Junqueira drove his Target Toyota/Lola at an average speed of 142.659 miles per hour in one minute, 42.151 seconds around the 4.048-mile permanent road circuit on Saturday.
He was not injured in the accident and because officials did not bring out the red flag, the Brazilian was permitted to keep the fastest time set earlier in the session and earn the bonus point that came with it.
Friday's provisional pole sitter and fellow countryman Cristiano da Matta wound up fifth in the second round of qualifying but will start on the outside of the front row, which was guaranteed by way of the first-round results.
Da Matta had a late run for the pole, but had to slow his Toyota/Lola due to Junqueira's accident in front.
Alex Tagliani was second fastest Saturday, putting him third in the starting grid. He will be joined on the outside by fellow Canadian Paul Tracy.
Da Matta's point earned a day earlier gives him a 28-point lead over Patrick Carpentier in the championship standings. Da Matta has won seven of the last 13 CART races.
