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Power returns to Victory Lane

Will Power celebrates win

By Thomas Miles

Date posted: 11 August 2025

Australia’s Will Power is back on top after he drove to a breakthrough and tense IndyCar victory at Portland.

Whilst Alex Palou also made headlines by securing a hat-trick of IndyCar titles, there were big cheers for Australian fans.

Power earned his first victory of the season and the first this year for Team Penske – helping the legendary team avoid its first winless season since 1999.

It is a timely win for the veteran as he does not have a contract for 2026, having been at Penske since 2009.

Power had not won since Portland last year, ending a tough 12-month run and has ensured he is ninth in the standings.

He started the 110-lap race from the third starting spot on alternate tyres before switching to the gripper compound for the following two stints.

This allowed him to build an imposing 20s lead over Palou by Lap 61 when the Aussie completed his final stop on the slower primary tyres.

This created a tense finish as Christian Lundgaard and Palou attempted to catch up to them.

Will Power leads Alex Palou

Will Power leads Alex Palou at Portland. Image: Penske Entertainment

By Lap 96 just eight tenths overed the top three, but Power kept cool and held on 1.5s over Lundgaard, who also overcame some big pressure from Palou as the champion made some moves.

Scott McLaughlin also had a solid day, securing seventh his second best result in the last 10 races.

Power’s 45th win at age 44 meant a lot.

“I think it’s just a big win for the whole team,” Power said. “We’ve had a rough year, and it’s not really because we’ve been off the pace. It’s just been unfortunate circumstances. It was a good, hard-fought win.

“Stoked. I’ve had a great career with Verizon and Penske, so I’ve really, really enjoyed winning for the guys and everyone I’ve worked with for a long time. It’s awesome.

“I won three races last year. If you’re a team, if you’re waiting on me to know if I’m good enough, I don’t know what you’re thinking.”

here are two races left in the 2025 season, both on oval tracks. The next race is the Snap-on Milwaukee Mile 250, scheduled for Sunday, August 24, in Milwaukee.

Image: Penske Entertainment

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