Will Power's Portland win sends a
message to Penske and rivals
[August 11, 2025]
By JENNA FRYER
Will Power sure is making Team Penske look silly right now.
He became the first Penske driver to win an IndyCar race in this
comically un-Penske like season with a commanding victory at
Portland International Raceway in Oregon.
It was fitting that the breakthrough win of the season came from
Power, the steadiest of the Penske trio this season. He's ranked
sixth in the IndyCar standings, highest among Power, Josef Newgarden
and Scott McLaughlin.
“It’s what we expect at that team. I’m driving the best I ever have.
Simple as that. I’m not slowing down. I am not slower, I am faster,”
Power declared. “My toolbox is still big as far as understanding the
cars, race craft, all that. 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.”
It's a contract year for the Australian, who has given no indication
the team has shown any movement toward extending Power into next
year despite his long history with the team, years of winning, and
his showing as arguably the best of the Penske drivers this year.
He didn’t discuss his future post-win but did acknowledge his years
of gratitude to Penske and longtime sponsor Verizon.
“I’ve had a great career with Verizon and Penske,” he said, “so I
just really, really enjoyed winning for the guys and everyone I’ve
worked with for a long time.”
Power, who turned 44 this year, has been with Penske since 2009 and
won an Indianapolis 500, two IndyCar titles and his 45 career wins
rank fourth on the all-time list. Power also holds the record for
the most pole positions in series history with 71.
Power won three races a year ago and was in the championship fight
until the finale. His Portland win is his second-straight in Oregon
and has him as the highest-ranked Penske driver.
“It was just satisfying for the whole team, man. Just driving down
pit lane, seeing each crew so happy we finally got a bloody win," he
said. "Both teammates came to victory lane. I was just happy for the
group because it was just an unusual year for us.
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Will Power, of Australia, watches as he waits for is turn during
qualification for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis
Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, May 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael
Conroy, File)
“Yeah, never count out Penske, man.”
He said the win is a statement to both Penske and any other
interested teams, but he was adamant he's got nothing to prove.
“It’s probably good on both fronts,” Power said. “I mean, 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. If
you’re actually waiting, ‘I’m not sure if this guy is good enough?’
Just go back to last year and you’ll (expletive) know.”
Jonathan Diuguid, who was promoted to president of Penske Racing
after a May scandal cost three top executives their jobs, stayed
away from commenting directly on Power’s future as he celebrated his
first win in his new role.
“Will’s future is about 30 minutes old from winning a race. His
future’s definitely bright,” said Diuguid. “He did an amazing job
today. Looking forward to the last two races of the season.”
He later declined outright to address Power's status with the team.
“Look, I’m not going to discuss that today. I’m going to focus on
the win, the team performance,” he said. “Winning can do a lot of
things. It’s very positive for our program. We’re going to reap all
the benefits of that as we head to Milwaukee.”
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