HPDC: Canto strengthens title claim with PI pole.

Gatorz Racing's Dean Canto underlined his position as the dominant qualifier in this year's HPDC V8 Supercar Series, adding a sixth pole position ahead of race one of this weekend's Phillip Island finale.

Beginning the weekend with a slender 21-point lead over fellow Ford driver Warren Luff, despite winning ten races so far this year, Canto was delighted to have secured pole.

"I wanted to be on pole again, and there is an advantage starting from there," he said, "I have shown that on several occasions this year, as I have been able to pull away from the field and get a lead early on. I don't think I've lost a first race this year starting from pole, so I'm hoping to do the same tomorrow."

Canto's success did not come easy, however, as the Gatorz Ford was not on the money when practice started.

"We had some mid-corner understeer in the first session," Canto revealed, "We adjusted the springs and the understeer got better, but the spring change didn't improve the car all that much, so we went back to a softer set-up for qualifying. That really improved the car, but I left my run for pole pretty late, as I couldn't set a good lap time on my first set of greens."

Canto will keep a close eye on Luff in Saturday's first race, hoping that that ploy will help secure him the title before the final outing.

"I'll keep close tabs on Warren and the others that can technically take the championship away from me," he said, "I've got 21 points on Luffy, so I just need to finish around him to get the title. If he threatens me, during an overtake, I'll be letting him through. I won't risk a hit, that's for sure, but I'll be racing hard for the win. I'm feeling very relaxed."