Photo: Mark Weber / SCCA

Kleinubing takes pole – cuts title lead

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Acura driver Pierre Kleinubing has set the fastest time in qualifying for the World Challenge Touring Car race, and cuts Jason Saini’s lead by 15 points in the process.

Championship leader Jason Saini, now with a relatively slim 39 point lead, qualified in 8th place in his Mazda.

The fastest of the TriPoint Motorsports Mazda’s was series returnee, Chip Herr in the #75 Mazda 6.

Eric Foss, in the brand new Mazda 3 had problems in qualifying and could only qualify in 11th.

The top Bimmerworld BMW 328 was James Clay, who had claimed the fastest time last time out at Road Atlanta – and had the second fastest time.

In the manufactuers championship – Mazda and Acura are now tied on 63 points each, meaning the challenge is closer than ever between the two japanese marques going into the final race of 2009.

Update: Pierre also won the coin toss, meaning his pole position is now confirmed.