Scott McLaughlin will start at the front of the grid in IndyCar's season-opening race, after taking pole position for the Grand Prix of St Petersburg.
Embarking on his second season, McLaughlin, 28, has taken his first pole in his short US career, beating Aussie teammate Will Power by one-tenth of a second, as Team Penske locked out the front row.
The result better McLaughlin's best starting position from his rookie season - fifth on the grid at Indianapolis - as he aims for a maiden IndyCar victory.
"I love qualifying, you have to put it all on the line," McLaughlin has told NBC Sports. "Super proud of everyone, I feel confident.
"I'm a competitive bloke, so I hate starting in the back, but it's a new thing for me.
"I'll be starting from the front, leading a group to the first corner. I'm used to braking with people in front of me, so I'll have to make sure I don't overshoot it like an idiot, but we'll have fun.
"Appreciate all the fans coming out and can't wait for tomorrow. The show's going to be big."
The result also adds to McLaughlin's impressive haul from his time in Australia's Supercars, where he topped qualifying 76 times, with 56 victories and three championships.
He finished 14th in his first full season of IndyCar and won the championship's Rookie of the Year award.
Fellow Kiwi and six-time IndyCar championship winner Scott Dixon will start seventh on the grid, missing a place in the 'Fast Six'.
