Indianapolis ? Scott Dixon was primed and ready for Indianapolis 500 pole qualifying Saturday when the rain started.

The Indy rookie turned a lap of 233.236 mph in an abbreviated practice halted by weather that forced postponement of the opening round of time trials until today.

That sizzling lap in cool, still, almost perfect conditions was the fastest on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s 21¼2-mile oval since Arie Luyendyk hit the unofficial record of 239.260 in practice in 1996, the last year the Indy Racing League allowed turbocharged engines.

“Our car was pretty good by itself,” said the unflappable 22-year-old from New Zealand. “We ran about a 232 by ourselves out there, but that lap toward the end got a tow from another car.”

Dixon, driving a Toyota-powered G Force for Chip Ganassi Racing, went above 230 for the first time Wednesday, his fourth day at the track, and he’s been among the leaders since.

The fast lap on Saturday made Dixon, who won the season opener in Homestead, Fla., in his IRL debut, one of the favorites to win the pole for the May 25 race.

Robby Gordon was close behind Dixon at 232.959, followed by Tony Kanaan at 231.961, rookie Dan Wheldon at 231.955, Gil de Ferran at 231.288, 1999 race winner Kenny Brack at 231.258 and two-time defending Indy champion Helio Castroneves at 231.194.

“It’s really close,” Kanaan said. “Whoever gets the best condition and the right car for the condition tomorrow will be on the pole. We do have a lot of people who are capable to do it. It’s going to be tight. You’re looking for hundredths of a second.”

Crew members try to stay dry while removing equipment from the pit area. Qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 was wiped out by rain Saturday at Indianapolis.

Drivers get up to three tries in the same car to complete a four-lap, 10-mile qualifying run. The average speed determines starting position.

Those who don’t make it in the first round will get another chance next Sunday in the final round of time trials.

Weather probably will play a big part in today’s results. Temperatures are expected to drop into the 60s. Predicted gusty winds could cause problems for the 1,550-pound Indy cars.

Add to that the rain washing off most of the rubber laid down on the track during the week — guaranteeing slippery conditions — getting four consistently fast laps could pose some real problems.

“We’ve had plenty of good and bad weather all week,” Kanaan said.

“The track’s going to be green, it’s going to be windy. … Nobody knows what’s going to happen, so I think everybody is in the same boat.”