Auto notes: Matt Kenseth claims NASCAR pole in Fontana

Although Matt Kenseth thinks track position is less important on Fontana’s well-aged asphalt than on other NASCAR ovals, he is still excited to start up front Sunday.

Kenseth won the pole Friday, edging Brad Keselowski in another knockout qualifying session highlighted by now-familiar faces.

Kenseth won his first pole of the season, turning a lap in his Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota at 187.315 mph. He beat Keselowski’s 187.105 to earn the 12th pole of his NASCAR career.

“This is probably one of the best tracks we go to as far as passing, with all the different lanes,” Kenseth said. “Unless you get stuck on the top, there’s a lot of options here. This place is really wide. It’s very challenging as a driver, but very fun, as well, because you can look around and if your car is running a certain way, you can find a groove that will help your car and move around a lot.”

Five-time Fontana champion Jimmie Johnson was third at 38.516, followed by fellow California native Kevin Harvick. Clint Bowyer came in fifth.

Brazil to host IndyCar

Brazilian officials have announced the return of IndyCar to the country next season, saying that a race will be held in the capital of Brasilia.

The federal district government released a statement saying the Autodromo Nelson Piquet will host the race from 2015-19. The deal with local race promoters was signed at an event in Sao Paulo.

IndyCar confirmed it is “exploring a return to Brazil and is in discussions with event organizers in Brasilia,” but added there was “still a lot of work to be done” before the race can be officially added to the 2015 schedule.

“Brazil has a real history in Indy car racing and we would like to re-establish a championship race there as early as 2015,” said Mark Miles, CEO of Hulman & Co., the parent company of IndyCar. “We are engaged in ongoing discussions toward this goal and hope suitable arrangements can be finalized soon.”