Will Power, widely recognized as the greatest driver in the history of Team Penske’s NTT IndyCar Series program, has cemented a legacy built on incredible performance and longevity. Over 17 seasons with Penske, Power amassed 45 race wins, 65 pole positions, two championships, and the coveted 2018 Indianapolis 500 victory, shaping a career that stands out in one of motorsport’s most competitive eras. His journey showcases why the term “Will Power Team Penske Legacy” is synonymous with sustained success and relentless competitiveness.
While other legendary names like Rick Mears, Helio Castroneves, and Al Unser Jr. have made their marks with multiple Indy 500 victories or championships, none have matched Power’s combination of wins and poles consistently across nearly two decades. Since joining Team Penske in 2009—initially as a stand-in during Castroneves’ legal troubles—Power quickly established himself as a symbol of “Penske Perfect,” delivering remarkable qualifying speed and race day prowess year after year.
How It All Began: Power’s Entry into Team Penske
Before breaking through with Penske, Power’s career was on uncertain footing. After two seasons with Walker Racing in the Champ Car World Series and a year with KV Racing amid the 2008 IndyCar merger, he had shown flashes of speed but struggled to secure a top ride. His six poles in 2007 had caught some attention, but it was the opportunity to substitute for Helio Castroneves at the start of the 2009 season that opened the door.
At the 2009 season opener in St. Petersburg, Power qualified sixth and finished in the same position. When Castroneves was acquitted, Penske introduced a third entry for Power at Long Beach, where he earned his first pole for the team. This strong showing convinced Penske to commit to him, leading to a part-time schedule that year highlighted by Power’s maiden victory at Edmonton and several top-five finishes, setting the stage for a long partnership.
Early Promise Meets Strong Competition
Power became a top contender quickly after joining full-time in 2010. From 2010 through 2012, he dominated road and street courses, winning 13 out of 14 races in those disciplines and securing 19 poles out of 21 during that period. Despite his dominance in these areas, the IndyCar championship eluded him, largely due to fierce challenges from rivals such as Dario Franchitti.
Franchitti’s return to the series in 2009 with Chip Ganassi Racing sparked one of the sport’s most intense rivalries. In 2010, Power led the championship heading into the final race but crashed out at Homestead, allowing Franchitti to claim the title. The following year, circumstances again denied Power, as a points-calendar disruption following the tragic death of Dan Wheldon sealed Franchitti’s championship despite Power’s efforts. In 2012, Ryan Hunter-Reay narrowly outpaced him when Power crashed in the final race, losing the title by just three points.
After a steadier 2013 with only three wins and a fourth-place finish in the standings, Power maintained his status as a consistent frontrunner but was still chasing his breakthrough championship.
Achieving the First Championship and Growing Versatility
Power’s breakthrough arrived in 2014 when he claimed Team Penske’s first IndyCar championship since Sam Hornish Jr.’s 2006 title. A key to his success was improving his performance on ovals, traditionally a weaker area compared to road and street courses. From 2010 to 2014, ovals composed nearly half or more of the schedule, pushing Power to develop his ability on those tracks.
His first full points oval win came in 2013 at Fontana, contributing to his confidence and skill on these circuits. In his championship season, Power dominated by 62 points, accumulating three wins, four poles, and seven other podium finishes. This title demonstrated his evolution into a more complete driver capable of excelling across varied race formats.
Maintaining Excellence Amidst New Challenges and Teammates
Between 2015 and 2017, Power remained one of the top drivers, finishing third, second, and fifth in the championship respectively. In 2016, teammate Simon Pagenaud claimed the title with a commanding 127-point margin over Power, who missed the season opener due to an illness initially thought to be a concussion but later diagnosed as a sinus infection.
Power’s quest for Indianapolis 500 success faced renewed hurdles despite his clear talent. After a strong debut with Penske in 2009, he struggled to find consistent top results until 2015’s dramatic race. That year featured an epic duel between Power and teammate Juan Pablo Montoya, along with Scott Dixon, exchanging the lead multiple times in the final laps before Montoya secured victory. This battle highlighted the fierce intra-team rivalry and Power’s competitive spirit.
2015 Indianapolis 500Stop if you’ve heard me say this before – we had an epic Indy 500 finishThis time, it was Juan Pablo Montoya beating teammate Will Power for his 2nd Indy 500 win#INDYCAR #INDY500 pic.twitter.com/lHXtckhHET— Hickey (@Hickey93) May 25, 2024
Despite his efforts, Power was unable to claim the win that year or in subsequent Indianapolis 500 races, raising questions about his future with Penske, given the team’s strong emphasis on winning this prestigious event. However, 2018 marked a turning point as Power clinched his maiden Indianapolis 500 victory.
The 2018 Indy 500 Victory: A Career-Defining Moment
The 2018 race featured a new aerodynamic package that made overtaking more challenging, increasing the importance of track position. Power qualified third and remained within the top five for much of the event. When contender Ed Carpenter chose to conserve fuel rather than battle, it allowed the Penske crew to strategically control the race pace.
Late-race cautions shuffled the order and many tried to stretch fuel to the finish, ultimately running out before the end. Power seized the lead on lap 196 and held on through intense pressure to secure his first Indy 500 title, delivering one of the most memorable radio moments in racing history as he crossed the finish line. This victory revitalized his campaign and extended his tenure with Team Penske.
Adapting to Team Changes and Continuing to Compete
In 2017, Josef Newgarden joined Team Penske, quickly rising to championship status with titles in 2017 and 2019, shifting the team’s dynamic. Power remained a strong competitor but took more of a supporting role, winning eight races compared to Newgarden’s 11 during those years. His worst points finish came in 2021, with just one win and ninth overall, signaling a challenging period.
His form at Indianapolis also declined, with only one top-five finish after his 2018 win. Nevertheless, Power’s 2022 championship captured attention due to its emphasis on consistent podium-level finishes rather than multiple wins, edging out Newgarden by 16 points during a season dominated by Alex Palou’s recent rise.
Final Years and Transition Beyond Penske
The 2023 season was marked by personal challenges for Power, as his wife battled health issues. This affected his performance, resulting in a winless year—the first in his career since 2008—making his future with Penske uncertain. However, he returned in 2024 with renewed vigor, securing three victories and contending fiercely for a third championship.
Near-misses, including equipment problems and a significant late-race incident involving teammate Newgarden at Gateway Raceway, prevented him from clinching another title. He finished fourth overall and remained within striking distance of Palou entering the final round. His last victory with Penske came at Portland, and he captured one final pole position at the Gateway oval, underscoring his lasting speed, especially on oval tracks.
Looking ahead, Power will continue his racing career with a new team and sponsor, marking his first departure from Penske since joining in 2008. Despite whatever negotiations transpired, his name will forever stand as the most accomplished driver in Team Penske’s storied history.
Will Power‘s Enduring Impact on IndyCar and Team Penske
Will Power’s journey reflects a rare combination of talent, resilience, and adaptability that has left a lasting imprint on American open-wheel racing. Over nearly two decades with Team Penske, he not only delivered remarkable statistics but also inspired a generation of drivers with his speed and determination across road courses, street circuits, and ovals.
As he transitions into the next chapter of his career, Power’s unmatched legacy within Team Penske solidifies his place among the sport’s all-time greats. His championship victories, record pole positions, and iconic moments such as the 2018 Indy 500 win will continue to define both his career and the team’s history moving forward.
