Motorsport: Scott Dixon stutters in qualifying for Firestone Grand Prix

Scott Dixon, driver of the #9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, stands on the grid prior to the 104th running of the Indianapolis 500. Photo / Getty Images.

Qualifying didn't go well for IndyCar series leader Scott Dixon at the final race of the season, but the big picture still looks good as the Kiwi chases a sixth title.

Kiwi Dixon qualified 11th, while Kiwi Supercars champion Scott McLaughlin was 21st in the field of 24, for Monday morning's Firestone Grand Prix in Florida.

Most importantly the man chasing Dixon, American Josef Newgarden, also had a bad qualifying day, finishing in eighth spot.

It means that even if Newgarden wins the 100-lap race around the streets of St Petersburg, Dixon will still claim the title if he finishes ninth or better.

There will be a lot of attention on Kiwi star McLaughlin, who has rushed to America to join IndyCar after claiming his third consecutive Supercars title in Australia.

He was initially fast in practice but after slipping back in qualifying said: "I'm disappointed in myself, but it is what it is.

"I'm pushing out there and trying to find the limits in a fast-forward motion. We'll just come back and have a go tomorrow."

Dixon meanwhile has seen a 117-point series lead whittled back to 32 but he is hotly favoured to win the IndyCar title, and even more so after Newgarden missed out on an extra pole position point.

"Josef starting 8th…that definitely helps us a lot. If they're not making top three, we don't have to do anything," Dixon said.

Newgarden was frustrated with himself and his car.

"It makes our programme a little harder for tomorrow but we're still going to try for the win," he said.

"We can win (the title), we just made it harder on ourselves."

Australian Will Power won his 62nd pole position - five short of Mario Andretti's record - for the 14th and final race of the season.

The 14-turn temporary course, which includes part of an airport runway, will have up to 20,000 spectators. They are required to wear masks and socially distance, and will be temperature checked, because of Covid-19.

The race was postponed and seemingly cancelled earlier in the year, and Dixon said just getting to the IndyCar finish line was a "major victory" during the pandemic.

"It's been such a bizarre year, a year I'll definitely never forget, no one else will really," he said.

"There will be standout moments you'll reflect on like walking out of Gasoline Alley on race day and seeing nobody. A polarisation of what's normal.

"We have to be thankful for the situation we're in."