Power holds points lead, but Dario strong on ovals

JOLIET, Ill. (AP) - Australian driver Will Power holds a comfortable 59-point lead in the IndyCar series standings with four races remaining, making him a strong favorite for the championship.

Now he'll have to show he can have the same kind of success on oval tracks as he has on road courses this year - or veteran Dario Franchitti might track him down.

Saturday night's race at Chicagoland Speedway kicks off a season-ending stretch of four straight oval tracks. Franchitti, Power's closest pursuer in the standings, is considered a stronger driver on ovals.

Franchitti acknowledges that it won't be easy to make up ground, saying Power is a good driver with a good team and can rely on veteran teammates to help him out.