NEWTON, Iowa -- IndyCar Series leader Helio Castroneves pole-winning news conference lasted barely a minute and ranked among the more sheepish in recent history. Castroneves knew he wasnt going to remain on the front row for long. Castroneves claimed the pole for Sundays race at Iowa Speedway, but he will start 11th after an unapproved engine change. Still, it wasnt all bad news for Castroneves or Penske -- which claimed its third pole in seven Iowa races. Penske teammate Will Power will start first, and Castroneves still earned nine championship points by winning the top heat. Castroneves also extended his lead over defending champion Ryan Hunter-Reay to 25 points in the process. James Hinchcliffe of Oakville, Ont., will start second, followed by Marco Andretti, Scott Dixon and Ed Carpenter. "These points, its always good. Its always crucial when you are fighting for the championship, and every point counts," Castroneves said. This was the second straight year that the IndyCar series seeded the Iowa field with heat races. After receiving mixed feedback from drivers and fans, officials tweaked the formula this year. The runs were extended from 30 to 50 laps, and the heats were set by a single-lap qualifying run rather than practice times. The first race didnt produce a ton of excitement as Dixon and Takuma Sato advanced with relative ease. Castroneves cruised, as well, leading all 50 laps of his heat before being forced to go to a new engine. "The good news is my car, as you could see, is really fast. Anything could happen," Castroneves said. The second heat provided some much-needed drama. Graham Rahal and Simon Pagenaud battled furiously for second and final berth in the last heat, and Rahal passed Pagenaud and then Ed Carpenter to take first. The strong qualifying run was crucial for Power, who remains in 11th place after finishing second each of the past three seasons. "I really need to gain some points on those guys, Helio, Hunter Reay, everyone in front of me," Power said. "Theres a lot of people in front. But at some point the championship is going to become out of reach." The biggest concern about heat races was potential wrecks. Those fears were realized when James Jakes lost control and hit the wall two laps from the end of the second heat. Jakes was checked in the medical centre, released and cleared to drive Sunday, though he will start near the back. Hunter-Reay, who won last week at Milwaukee and last year at Iowa, was just 14th after qualifying. "You know, it was way off the mark. Weve been sitting on our own thumbs all day. We just missed it," Hunter-Reay said. "Were starting buried in the pack. We gave up points." Alex Tagliani of Lachenaie, Que., will start 12th.Jason Heyward Cubs Jersey . -- On the field, it was business as usual for Jameis Winston and No. Steve Cishek Jersey . -- New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis is retiring after a 16-year career to become the goalie coach for the Los Angeles Galaxy. http://www.cubsauthentic.com/cubs-joe-maddon-jersey/ . Francis told several hundred members of the European Olympic Committees that when sport "is considered only in economic terms and consequently for victory at every cost . Fergie Jenkins Jersey .C. -- Calgarys Kevin Koe did it the hard way again. David Ross Cubs Jersey . Team physician Dr. Steve Traina performed the surgery Friday. Robinson was injured in a spill underneath the Nuggets basket during the first quarter of Wednesday nights loss to the Charlotte Bobcats.Kawhi Leonard is a mild-mannered, soft-spoken player when he takes the court for the San Antonio Spurs. Hes one of the most humble stars in the NBA. But during Christmas season, not even Leonard can shy away from getting into the spirit.The All-Star forward decided to surprise kids on Saturday by dressing up as Santa Claus while delivering gifts for the Elf Louise Christmas Project, which is dedicated to providing a little bit of joy to Bexar Countys less fortunatte children.ddddddddddddLeonard isnt known for talking much. Just hearing him say Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas is a treat for fans of all ages -- children or adults.Hes the type of player who allows his game to speak for itself. The good deed of putting smiles on the faces of youngsters is all the talking he needed to do.-- Josiah Turner ' ' '