Two-time IndyCar champion Will Power has raised concerns about potential foul play involving the Chip Ganassi Racing team following an on-track incident at the Milwaukee Mile race. The event in question occurred during the 2025 Snap-On Milwaukee Mile 250, where Power collided with Kyffin Simpson, a driver from Chip Ganassi Racing, leading to a crash that ended Power’s race prematurely.
During the race‘s 105th lap, Simpson and Power were battling closely when Simpson maneuvered aggressively to maintain his inside position. This move forced Power off the racing line and onto the slippery marbles of the oval track, which resulted in Power’s car contacting the barriers and cutting his run short. Power’s suspicion stems from whether Simpson’s aggressive driving was a deliberate strategy, possibly instructed by his team, aimed at disrupting Power and assisting another competitor.
Details Surrounding the Milwaukee Race Collision
Power has openly questioned if Simpson was directed by Chip Ganassi Racing to obstruct him during the race. In a post-race exchange with Frontstretch, Power explained the incident in detail, focusing on Simpson’s persistent defensive driving.
“We come out on new tires, and I went into two on the first lap and Kyffin, I went low and he drove me all the way down, and then, I thought well, I’ll go high this time, next time around, and then he drove me up and all the way into the marbles touched the wall.” —Will Power, IndyCar driver
He further expressed his frustrations about Simpson’s conduct, drawing parallels to a similar incident involving Josef Newgarden, another prominent driver who was reportedly hindered by Simpson’s aggressive tactics.
“I don’t know man, I don’t know. I mean, I think Josef is gonna be pretty mad at him just looking at it. Just looking at what he did to Josef there. Similar thing. I don’t know whether he is told to do that by his team to help Palou, but, it’s pretty rough.” —Will Power, IndyCar driver
These statements imply Power suspects Simpson‘s actions might have been intended to strategically benefit Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Alex Palou by impeding rival drivers. This suspicion adds strain to the competitive dynamics within the IndyCar series, amplifying tension among teams and drivers.
Season Standings and Will Power’s Current Position
Following 16 rounds in the 2025 IndyCar season, Will Power stands eighth in the driver standings with a total of 347 points. Kyffin Simpson, meanwhile, is well behind in eighteenth place with 250 points. Power’s solid standing underscores his consistent performance despite recent setbacks, whereas Simpson’s lower placement highlights the disparity between their season outcomes.
Uncertainty Surrounds Will Power’s Future with Team Penske
Beyond the on-track incident, Power faces another challenge regarding his career trajectory, as he has yet to finalize a contract extension with Team Penske for the 2026 season. During the Milwaukee race weekend, questions about his renewal surfaced. The 44-year-old veteran acknowledged that formal discussions with team owner Roger Penske are imminent but confirmed no decisions have been made yet.
“I mean at the end of the day, what is it, a week left, basically close to a week. Roger called me after Portland. He said ‘Let’s talk it out after Sunday and you know see where everything stands’. I keep getting asked the same question. Nothing has changed. He told me that after Detroit.” —Will Power, IndyCar driver
Power’s extensive career in top-level American open-wheel racing, which began in 2008, includes 43 wins, 102 podium finishes, and 65 pole positions. Despite his achievements, uncertainty around his next season raises questions about his future in IndyCar and with Team Penske.
Potential Ramifications of the Milwaukee Incident
The allegations by Will Power could impact relations between Team Penske and Chip Ganassi Racing, two dominant forces in IndyCar. If evidence supports Power’s suspicions, it could prompt official investigations or prompt changes in team conduct during races. For Power, this incident not only influenced the outcome of the Milwaukee race but also added tension to an already stressful contract negotiation period. Fans and analysts will closely watch upcoming races and contract talks for further developments in this ongoing competitive saga.
