PORTLAND, Ore. — Will Power ended a yearlong victory drought by winning Sunday’s NTT IndyCar Series round at Portland Int’l Raceway.
That, however, only increased speculation about Power’s future in racing. The 44-year-old Australian has yet to sign a contract extension with Team Penske for which he has driven since 2009.
Power’s victory was his first of the season and the first for Team Penske this season.
“It’s what we expect at that team. To me it was business as normal honestly,” said Power, who won for the 45th time in his career. “I’ve been in that position so many times in my career. Like I said, I’m driving the best I ever have. Simple as that. I’m not slowing down. I am not slower, I am faster.
“My toolbox is still big as far as understanding the cars, race craft, all that.
Yeah, that’s me. I guess I’m different to some people. I never stop working at it. It’s a passion. I love it. That’s why I’m still winning.”
Power said the victory was a bit of a relief for a team that has endured uncharacteristic struggles this season.
“I was happy for everyone, man. Like both teammates came up, all the engineers, all the crews came up,” Power said. “As I drove down pit lane, many teams happy to see us get a win there.
“I think what’s happened to the team this year, probably the situation I’m in, as well. It’s a tight-knit community, the IndyCar paddock, it really is.”
Power believes the stats don’t show how well his No. 12 team has performed this season.
“Obviously don’t know what the future holds. I think it was just very nice. I feel good for the whole team, I really do,” Power said. “Where we stand in the championship really isn’t indicative of our true potential. It’s just been a rough year. Feel good for Chevy, as well. I think on that front they’ve had a pretty bad year.
“Yeah, I think the whole team, I can tell they’re so very sort of happy and relieved that we’ve got a win on the table now. We started out pretty rough in practice, made a lot of changes, got a car that was probably not good enough for pole, but right there in that top four.”
