In late 2008, Team Penske faced an unexpected crisis when Helio Castroneves, a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, was indicted on federal income tax evasion charges. With uncertainty looming over Castroneves’s ability to race, Roger Penske’s organization needed to find a temporary replacement to fill the void. <a href="https://www.big14news.com/tag/will-power/”>Will Power emerged as a candidate but initially heard nothing after his interview. However, just before Christmas, Power received the call that would change his career: he was hired to fill in for Castroneves while the trial unfolded. This moment marked the beginning of a significant relationship between Power and Team Penske.
Power’s Early Success and Team Penske’s Shifting Fortunes
Will Power raced in the No. 3 car at St. Petersburg, where he started and finished sixth. As the Castroneves trial progressed toward a verdict during the Long Beach weekend, Team Penske entered three cars, ready for Castroneves’s potential acquittal. After the Brazilian driver was found not guilty, Power stepped into the No. 12 car for the weekend, earning a strong second-place finish behind Dario Franchitti. Power also participated in several additional races that season, winning dominantly at Edmonton, and secured a full-time role in the <a href="https://www.big14news.com/indycar/indy-nxt/”>IndyCar Series starting with the 2010 season.
Fast-forward to 2025, and a 44-year-old Power is carrying much of the responsibility for Team Penske, an organization struggling to find form. While Alex Palou claimed eight wins out of the first 15 races independently, Team Penske’s trio of drivers has only combined for one victory—Power’s win at Portland—and a handful of podium finishes. Among them, Power stands sixth in the standings, with Scott McLaughlin and Josef Newgarden trailing at 11th and 18th respectively. The drivers have accumulated many disappointing finishes, with 17 results of 22nd or lower between them.
The Unreasonable Speculation Surrounding Power’s Future
Despite Power’s consistent performance and status as the top Penske driver in the points, rumors persist that his tenure with the team might end when his contract expires after the 2025 season. This speculation is hard to justify when considering Power’s track record and contributions. Two main factors work against him: his approaching 45th birthday on race day at St. Petersburg in March 2026, and a supposed succession plan involving drivers from A.J. Foyt Racing, particularly David Malukas or Santino Ferrucci, who could fill Power’s seat through a technical alliance between the teams.
But history shows that Team Penske has removed drivers when performance lagged—Juan Pablo Montoya, for instance, was replaced by Josef Newgarden after finishing eighth in 2016, trailing teammates who occupied the top three points positions. Similarly, Castroneves became part-time after years of lack of wins, ceding his seat to Scott McLaughlin. What sets Power’s case apart is that he has frequently outperformed his teammates and been instrumental to the team’s success.
Why Will Power’s Loyalty to Team Penske Should Be Reciprocated
The unique circumstances surrounding Power’s initial hiring highlight his importance to Team Penske. Joining in a period of instability, he provided a vital boost to the organization and even endured severe injuries—breaking his back twice while racing—to continue pushing forward. Because of this commitment, Power deserves the opportunity to conclude his career on his own terms rather than being subjected to uncertain speculation about his future.
Offering Power a clear agreement before the 2026 season begins—be it a one-year contract, a two-year deal, or a shorter arrangement with an option to extend—would provide him the respect and dignity he has earned. This clarity would also free him from the distraction of ongoing speculation during a season in which Team Penske remains in flux and the competition is dominated by Palou’s impressive performance.
Will Power has accumulated two IndyCar Series championships and has finished as series runner-up four times with Team Penske, achievements that warrant loyalty from the team. Given the public and organizational challenges, the question arises: does Team Penske deserve Will Power as much as he deserves them?
Looking Ahead: The Value of Stability for Power and Team Penske
As Team Penske navigates a difficult season amid internal uncertainty and external pressures, solidifying Power’s role could serve as a stabilizing force. His experience and proven ability to deliver strong results remain valuable assets. Removing or sidelining him prematurely would not only be unjust but could also weaken the team’s foundation further.
Ultimately, Will Power’s longstanding dedication, resilience, and performance justify the team’s loyalty, especially as they develop future talent through technical alliances and succession plans. Recognizing and honoring his contributions will be critical for Team Penske as they seek to regain competitive momentum in the IndyCar series.
