Power and McLaughlin on Trans-Tasman crash

Will Power has taken blame for the Trans-Tasman crash that took out Penske teammate Scott McLaughlin in Toronto that has impacted both of their IndyCar title chances.

Both cars were gunning for a top-five finish with nine laps to go when it all went wrong.

Power tried to snatch fourth from McLaughlin with a late lunge at the left-handed Turn 

However, the Australian could not quite settle the car, losing the rear on corner entry and barged his teammate into the fence.

The heavy hit with the concrete ruled McLaughlin out on the spot and he then posted up trackside to factiously clap his teammate as he passed under caution.

Power ended up nursing the car to 12th and retained second in the standings, while McLaughlin also stayed sixth.

The Australian ended up apologising and took blame for the incident.

“I never want to run into a teammate. That is not something I ever set out to do and I apologise to Scott and his team for knocking them out of the race,” Power said. 

Will Power and Scott McLaughlin at the moment of impact. Image: Stan Sport

“We were both in a position to have a solid day against the two Andretti cars and I knew I had a better tire situation than Scott. 

“Unfortunately, we got together and gave away too many points. The Verizon Chevy was solid all day, great pit stops and we are leaving without much to show for it.”

McLaughlin was not impressed and described Power’s actions as a “low percentage move.”

“It was just, in my opinion, a very low percentage move by Will (Power) there,” he said. 

“We both had Palou covered and we were both going to gain points on him going into the homestretch of the season with a lot of ovals left where Team Penske is typically very strong. 

“You never like contact with your teammate, but it happens. 

“I ran into him at Laguna Seca so it’s hard to be very upset and hypocritical. 

“Just frustrated when you have these moments, but the Gallagher Chevy team will move past it.”

There is plenty of time for the Penske stars to settle down with the next race not until August 17 at Gateway.

Photo by Jake Galstad / LAT Images

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