Brazilian Cristiano da Matta captured his first career pole in the Championship Auto Racing Teams (Cart) Grand Prix of Monterey Shell 300 at Laguna Seca Raceway.

Driving a Newman-Haas Racing Lola-Toyota, Da Matta turned in a top time of one minute, 9.473 seconds for an average speed of 115.970mph.

He earned a bonus point for being Saturday's top qualifier.

The Brazilian captured the pole despite blowing an engine five minutes before the start of the practice session.

Da Matta was criticised by a number of drivers who felt that the Brazilian's oil slick ruined their chances of competing for pole.

Sweden's Kenny Brack said: "When something like that happens, I think that first of all he should be courteous to try to get off line as soon as possible.

"I know it's difficult but at least make an effort to do it."

Brack, who posted the quickest time during Friday's provisional qualifying, will start alongside Da Matta on the front row.

Brack had a top time of 1:09.575 in his Ganassi Racing Lola-Toyota.

Brack's team-mate, Bruno Junqueira of Brazil, qualified third in 1:09.759.

Completing the top five were Brazilians Tony Kanaan and Christian Fittipaldi.

Grid positions for the Monterey Shell 300 at Laguna Seca Raceway:
(US unless stated)

1 Cristiano da Matta (Bra)
2 Kenny Brack (Swe)
3 Bruno Junqueira (Bra)
4 Tony Kanaan (Bra)
5 Christian Fittipaldi (Bra)
6 Patrick Carpentier (Can)
7 Alex Tagliani (Can)
8 Tora Takagi (Jap)
9 Scott Dixon (Aus)
10 Townsend Bell

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