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GO-TIME FOR POWER

Go-time for Will Power - Image: Motorsport Images

By Mike Brudenell

For Aussie IndyCar veteran Will Power “it’s always go-time.”

And no more so than at the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix doubleheader this weekend in the Motor City, where the Team Penske ace has two shots standing atop the podium.

Power needs a strong showing on the 2.3-mile street circuit at Belle Isle, where he won races in 2014 and 2016 for Penske. He is currently 12th in NTT IndyCar Series points, an unfamiliar position for the 2014 series champion and 2018 Indy 500 winner.

The 40-year-old Penske driver has 37 IndyCar victories and 55 poles.

“Belle Isle is a good place and I enjoy it,” said Power on Thursday. “It’s an attack track. I’m certainly looking forward to putting all the disappointments of this season behind us. I’m feeling really good and ready to go, for sure.”

On May 30, Power finished 30th in the Indy 500 after spinning his No. 12 Verizon 5G Team Penske Chevrolet attempting to slow down for pit lane. He went a lap down as a result of the mistake and then attempted to claw back to the front.

His former Penske teammate Helio Castroneves won the race – his fourth 500 victory – for Meyer Shank Racing.

“It was massively disappointing,” said Power of his performance in the 500. “We really thought we’d come out of it with a top-five. What happened? Braking sort of crept up on me.”

No is faster in qualifying than Power including the new kids on the block in IndyCar like Alex Palou and Pato O’Ward

“There are a lot of good drivers and good teams in this series,” said Power. “There are a lot of young guys coming in and they are very good. But the veterans are good too. This is a very competitive series and that’s great for the fans. And it’s good for the drivers – as long as you are up front.

“In IndyCar these days, you could be on pole or 20th, just like that. You never stop learning and relearning in this series. The moment you stop learning, you should probably stop (driving).

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