Simon Pagenaud takes IndyCar pole at Auto Club Speedway (The Associated Press)

The Southern California heat did nothing to slow Team Penske. Simon Pagenaud earned his second career IndyCar pole and teammate Helio Castroneves finished right behind him, giving Team Penske the top two spots in qualifying on a hot Friday afternoon at Auto Club Speedway. ”It’s awesome to get the opportunity to run up front on ovals,” Pagenaud said.