Scott Speed took pole position for Red Bull Global Rallycross Washington DC, setting a time of 45.543 seconds around the 0.899 mile track at the RFK Stadium.
The reigning champion had a difficult time at Volkswagen‘s de facto home round last season, despite taking pole, and took top spot in qualifying again by a gap of almost two tenths of a second.
Chip Ganassi Racing‘s Steve Arpin was second, with Olsbergs Honda‘s Joni Wiman in third. Speed’s Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross team mate Tanner Foust was fourth, one spot ahead of pre-event favourite Patrik Sandell.
Brian Deegan was sixth, ahead of the other Honda of Sebastian Eriksson. Austin Dyne and the Subaru pairing of Sverre Isachsen and Bucky Lasek completed the top 10.
Last year’s Washington DC winner Nelson Piquet had a quiet return to the series, setting the 11th fastest time in qualifying. He was second fastest in final practice, however.
In the heats, VARX dominated with Speed and Foust both taking wins.
Speed beat 2014 series champion Wiman for the win in Heat 1A while Foust held off New River podium finisher Deegan for the Heat 1B win.
