Will Power has confirmed he will not participate in the 24 Hours of Daytona or other endurance races during the IndyCar offseason, citing concerns about injury risks. The 2018 Indianapolis 500 winner, known for his experience on the IndyCar circuit, prefers to avoid these events as he prioritizes maintaining his ability to compete in IndyCar.
While his Team Penske teammates Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin have embraced endurance racing, Power has taken a different approach. Newgarden secured victory at the 2024 Daytona race with Porsche Penske Motorsport, whereas McLaughlin has competed in notable endurance races such as the 12 Hours of Sebring, Petit Le Mans, and the Suzuka 1000, where he achieved a podium finish. By contrast, Power, at 44 years old, tends to focus on karting competitions during the off-season instead of endurance events.
In a detailed discussion with 2003 IndyCar champion Paul Tracy on the RACER Channel, Power outlined his reasoning behind avoiding endurance racing.
“I did the Bathurst 24 Hour in ’03. It was the only 24-hour Bathurst I did in GT3 RS, I think it was. Man, I’m not that interested… like I look at IndyCar, the field is full of obviously, high-level drivers… At this point in my career, it would suck to get hurt at the Daytona 24 Hours or something and then not be able to race Indy,” Will Power said.
Injury Fears Influence Power’s Racing Choices
Power, a two-time IndyCar champion set to join Andretti Global in 2026, expressed how injury is a significant deterrent at this stage in his career. He emphasized the importance of careful decision-making when it comes to participation in high-risk races outside of IndyCar.
“It’s at the point in my career where you don’t want to do an injury where it’s like yeah, that finished it. So I’m kind of just hanging out, waiting on that stuff. I’m not saying I wouldn’t do it but it would have to be the right deal, man. I think you want to be with a really good team and yeah, it’d have to make sense.”
His caution stems in part from witnessing past accidents, such as Memo Gidley’s unusual crash at the 2014 24 Hours of Daytona, which occurred when Gidley collided with a stalled vehicle on track. Power highlighted the unexpected dangers that come with endurance racing.
“I love SportsCar racing. It looks like a lot of fun, but after I saw Memo Gidley… it was Memo Gidley, right, the crash? I know (it was long ago), but that’s the sort of thing that happens when someone’s engine goes, they just stop on the track, not knowing how dangerous that is.”
He also revealed that similar concerns have influenced his involvement with karting, including opting out of the SKUSA Supernational karting championship he once competed in during the offseason.
Withdrawals from the 2023 Daytona Race Linked to Family Health
In January 2023, Will Power announced he would race at the 24 Hours of Daytona with SunEnergy1 Racing, led by his friend Kenny Habul. The team planned to field a Mercedes-AMG GT3 in the event. However, shortly afterward, Power withdrew because of urgent family matters involving his wife Elizabeth.
Elizabeth Power was recovering from surgery and experienced complications, causing her to be hospitalized. Will Power made the difficult decision to prioritize his wife’s recovery over competing in the race.
“Liz has had a couple of complications after surgery this week and has a long recovery ahead of her,” Will Power said in a statement released through NBC. “Obviously her health is my priority, and unfortunately, that means I have had to put Daytona on hold.”
Kenny Habul expressed support for Power and emphasized the importance of family in such circumstances. Elizabeth Power’s health has since improved, and she was recently seen attending the 2025 IndyCar season finale in Nashville, which was also Power’s final race with Team Penske.
Impact on Will Power’s Career and Future Considerations
Will Power’s decision to steer clear of endurance racing highlights the careful balance veteran drivers must maintain between pursuing new challenges and safeguarding their primary careers. His reservations reflect the physical risks posed by high-profile endurance events, especially as he prepares for a new chapter with Andretti Global starting in 2026.
The experiences of teammates Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin demonstrate the opportunities available through endurance racing, yet Power’s approach signals a focus on longevity and health. Given his cautious mindset, any future involvement in endurance racing would require optimal conditions, including a strong team and sensible timing.
Fans and observers can expect Power to continue prioritizing his IndyCar commitments, with his injury concerns shaping the choices he makes during offseason periods. How these decisions will influence his performance with Andretti Global remains to be seen, but his emphasis on safety is clear.
