Will Power Team Penske Secures Dominant Victory in Season Opener
When it comes to IndyCar racing royalty, few names shine as brightly as Will Power. The Australian driver is currently competing in his 17th season with Team Penske in 2025. He pilots the No. 12 Verizon Business Chevrolet with the same determination that has defined his remarkable career. As a two-time IndyCar Series champion (2014, 2022) and the 2018 Indianapolis 500 winner, Power has cemented his legacy as one of the most accomplished drivers in modern American open-wheel racing.
Power’s statistical dominance speaks volumes about his talent. He holds the all-time record for most career pole positions in IndyCar history, showcasing his extraordinary qualifying prowess. His precision behind the wheel and ability to extract maximum performance has made him a cornerstone of Team Penske‘s continued success in the highly competitive series.
As the 2025 season unfolds, Power shows no signs of slowing down. Despite entering what many would consider the later stages of a racing career, the veteran driver remains a championship contender and a formidable presence on both road courses and ovals. With Power entering a contract year with Team Penske, fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see what the future holds for this IndyCar legend.
History of Will Power and Team Penske
Contents
Will Power and Team Penske have formed one of the most successful partnerships in modern IndyCar racing, combining exceptional talent with a legendary organization’s resources and experience.
Will Power’s Career Highlights
Will Power has established himself as one of the greatest drivers in Team Penske’s storied history. He joined the team full-time in 2010 and quickly made his mark, leading the IZOD IndyCar Series with five wins and a series-record eight poles that season.
The Australian driver has competed in the NTT IndyCar Series for nearly two decades, with 2024 marking his 20th season in the championship. His longevity speaks to both his skill and adaptability.
Power’s crowning achievements include his Indianapolis 500 victory and multiple championships. He’s known for his qualifying prowess, often referred to as the modern-day “King of Qualifying” for his ability to extract maximum performance in time trials.
In recent years, Power secured a new multi-year contract with Penske, ensuring his place with the team for the foreseeable future.
Team Penske’s Legacy in IndyCar
Team Penske stands as the benchmark organization in American open-wheel racing. Founded by Roger Penske, the team has amassed an unparalleled record of success over nearly six decades of competition.
The numbers speak for themselves: 20 Indianapolis 500 victories and numerous championships across multiple racing disciplines. Roger Penske has built an organization defined by excellence, precision, and professionalism.
Team Penske’s IndyCar program has featured some of racing’s greatest drivers – Mark Donohue, Rick Mears, Helio Castroneves, and now Will Power among them. The team’s “Penske Perfect” approach to racing operations has become legendary.
In recent years, the team has operated a full-season three-car effort, with Power consistently leading the charge for the organization against increasingly tough competition.
Notable Achievements and Championships
Power’s tenure with Team Penske has produced remarkable results that place him among IndyCar’s all-time greats. His championship seasons showcased both raw speed and strategic intelligence.
Will Power’s Key Statistics with Team Penske:
| Achievement | Count | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IndyCar Championships | 2 | 2014, 2022 |
| Indianapolis 500 Wins | 1 | 2018 |
| Race Victories | 30+ | Multiple each season |
| Pole Positions | 60+ | All-time IndyCar record |
Power’s relationship with Team Penske has been transformative for both parties. For the driver, it provided the stability and resources to maximize his potential. For the team, Power’s qualifying brilliance and race craft have added significantly to Penske’s trophy collection.
The Penske-Power combination remains one of IndyCar’s most formidable partnerships. Their continued success represents a perfect marriage between a driver with exceptional speed and a team with unmatched operational excellence and resources.
Technical Collaboration
Team Penske’s success with Will Power is built on cutting-edge technical partnerships that push the boundaries of motorsport performance. These collaborations have been instrumental in developing race-winning technology and innovative engineering solutions.
Chevrolet and Team Penske Partnership
The backbone of Will Power’s IndyCar success lies in the long-standing partnership between Team Penske and Chevrolet. This technical alliance has powered Power’s No. 12 car to numerous victories through relentless engine development and optimization.
Chevrolet provides the 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engines that have been crucial to Power’s performance edge. The engine partnership dates back to 2012, coinciding with some of Power’s most successful years in IndyCar.
What makes this collaboration special is the dedicated engineering support Chevrolet provides directly to Team Penske. Engineers from both teams work hand-in-hand at the track and between races to fine-tune performance parameters.
The results speak for themselves – Power’s Chevrolet-powered machine has consistently delivered top-tier speed and reliability, especially on road courses where Power excels.
Innovations in Racing Technology
Team Penske’s technical prowess extends far beyond engines with their advanced simulation tools giving Power a competitive advantage. Their state-of-the-art driving simulator allows Power to practice various track conditions and car setups without physical testing limitations.
Data acquisition systems on Power’s car capture over 300 parameters during each session. This information feeds into proprietary software that helps engineers make quick, informed decisions about setup changes between sessions.
The team’s carbon fiber manufacturing facility produces custom aerodynamic components with rapid turnaround times. This in-house capability allows for quick implementation of new designs based on wind tunnel testing.
Weight distribution optimization has been another focus area, with Power’s driving style requiring specific balance characteristics. Engineers have developed custom ballast placement systems that can be fine-tuned for each track configuration.
Dynamic damper technology developed through Porsche Penske Motorsport’s global partnership has trickled down to Power’s IndyCar program, improving mechanical grip over bumps and curbs.
Racing Circuits Insight
Will Power has shown remarkable adaptability across the diverse circuits of the IndyCar calendar. His driving style combines technical precision on road courses with strategic aggression on ovals, making him a threat at every venue.
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Spotlight
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway holds special significance in Power’s career trajectory. The 2.5-mile rectangular oval demands perfect vehicle balance and nerves of steel—qualities Power has mastered over time.
His 2018 Indianapolis 500 victory stands as a career-defining moment after years of near-misses at the iconic venue. Power navigated the notoriously tricky Turn 2 with remarkable consistency that day, often maintaining higher minimum speeds than competitors.
Weather conditions at “The Brickyard” frequently affect Power’s strategy. He’s particularly adept at managing tire degradation during the temperature swings common during the Month of May.
Power’s qualifying performances at Indianapolis have been particularly impressive, with multiple front-row starts showcasing his raw speed at the legendary speedway.
St. Petersburg and Long Beach Tracks
Power’s street circuit prowess shines brightest at St. Petersburg and Long Beach. These concrete canyon tracks reward his precise driving style and meticulous setup preferences.
At St. Petersburg, the 1.8-mile temporary circuit’s bumpy surface and tight corners play to Power’s strengths. He attacks the tricky Turn 10 with particular aggression, often gaining crucial tenths over competitors.
Long Beach presents different challenges with its higher-speed sections. Power’s ability to carry momentum through the fountain complex while preserving tire life has netted him multiple podiums.
Power’s Street Circuit Performance (Last 5 Seasons)
| Track | Wins | Poles | Podiums | Avg. Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Petersburg | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6.2 |
| Long Beach | 1 | 4 | 3 | 5.8 |
His technical feedback particularly shines on these bumpy temporary circuits, where Team Penske engineers rely on his detailed input for setup adjustments.
International Circuits Impacts
Power’s Australian background gives him unique perspective on international venues. His racing roots in open-wheel formulas abroad translate to adaptability when IndyCar ventures beyond American borders.
The challenging Canadian circuits have historically suited Power’s driving style. At Toronto’s Exhibition Place circuit, he navigates the bumpy surface with remarkable consistency, having secured multiple podium finishes there throughout his career.
Power’s feedback to engineers takes on added importance at international venues with limited practice time. His ability to quickly assess grip levels and communicate needed setup changes gives Team Penske a crucial advantage.
Road America’s flowing 4-mile layout plays to Power’s strengths in high-commitment corners. His performance in 2023 was particularly noteworthy, contributing to a Team Penske podium sweep at the Wisconsin road course.
Power’s international experience becomes increasingly valuable as IndyCar explores potential expansion to new global venues in upcoming seasons.
Team Dynamics and Strategy
Team Penske’s success in IndyCar hinges on its exceptional team dynamics, strategic decision-making, and clear leadership structure. The cohesive unit works with military precision to execute race strategies that consistently place Will Power and his teammates at the front of the field.
Role of Josef Newgarden in the Team
Josef Newgarden isn’t just Will Power’s teammate—he’s a critical strategic asset. The two-time IndyCar champion serves as both collaborator and friendly rival, pushing Power to maintain his competitive edge.
When championship points are on the line, Team Penske isn’t afraid to implement team orders. Notably, swapping positions could be in play when one driver is in championship contention. In 2022, we saw this dynamic at work when Power secured his second championship.
Newgarden and Power share data freely, examining each other’s telemetry to find those precious hundredths of a second. This transparency has created a team environment where competition elevates everyone’s performance.
Newgarden-Power Comparison (2022-2024)
| Metric | Power | Newgarden |
|---|---|---|
| Wins | 6 | 12 |
| Poles | 11 | 7 |
| Avg. Finish | 7.3 | 7.1 |
| Championships | 1 | 1 |
Leadership of Tim Cindric
Tim Cindric’s leadership as Team Penske President provides the structural backbone for Will Power’s success. His race strategy calls have directly contributed to numerous victories for the No. 12 car.
Cindric’s relationship with Power has evolved over their long partnership. He understands exactly when to calm Power’s notorious intensity and when to let that fire burn. This psychological management has been as important as any technical contribution.
The Penske organization runs with Swiss-watch precision under Cindric’s guidance. From pit stop practice to engineering meetings, every aspect of team preparation reflects his methodical approach.
His long-term vision has kept Power in competitive equipment for 17 seasons with Team Penske. Power continues to drive the No. 12 Verizon Business Chevrolet in 2025.
Team Collaboration and Communication
The seamless communication between Power and his race engineer is the result of years of collaboration. Their shorthand during races allows for rapid strategy adjustments based on changing track conditions.
Power’s feedback on car setup is exceptionally detailed. This precision helps the entire engineering staff make adjustments that benefit all three Team Penske cars, creating a virtuous cycle of improvement.
The pit crew for the No. 12 car trains relentlessly, practicing tire changes and refueling until they can execute stops in under 7 seconds with perfect consistency. This dedication has saved Power countless positions on track.
Team meetings after races are brutally honest affairs. No weakness goes unaddressed, whether it’s a slow pit stop or a strategic misstep. This culture of accountability pushes every team member to continual improvement.
Challenges and Controversies
Will Power’s career at Team Penske has been marked by both triumph and turmoil. Recent events have thrust the veteran driver into the spotlight for reasons beyond his racing prowess.
Confronting Technical Difficulties
The 2024-2025 season has brought unprecedented technical challenges for Power and Team Penske. The team became embroiled in a major scandal when it was discovered they had illegally used an engine boost system to gain competitive advantages. This manipulation of the push-to-pass system rocked the IndyCar world.
Power himself claimed ignorance of the situation, stating he was unaware of any manipulations until after a race at Long Beach. The controversy has cast a shadow over the team’s recent successes.
Some reports suggest the illegal modifications may have been in place as far back as the 2022 or 2023 season, according to discussions among racing fans.
Managing the Pressures of Racing
At 44 years old, Power faces mounting pressure both on and off the track. He’s currently in a contract year with Team Penske, creating uncertainty about his future. Team president Tim Cindric has publicly stated they “have no reason we’d want anybody else but Will in the car” while simultaneously acknowledging that the team must consider all options.
The pressure has occasionally manifested in on-track behavior. During a race at Gateway, Power was seen giving teammate Josef Newgarden the middle finger, highlighting tensions within the team.
Power’s performance statistics remain impressive despite these pressures:
| Season | Wins | Poles | Championship Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 5 | 4th |
| 2024 | 2 | 3 | 3rd |
| 2025* | 0 | 1 | 5th |
| *Season in progress |
Addressing Disputes and Consent
The IndyCar community has seen growing mistrust of Team Penske following these controversies. The relationship between Power and team management appears strained as they navigate consent issues related to technical modifications.
Questions remain about whether drivers consented to or were aware of the technical modifications. Power’s denial of knowledge raises important questions about transparency within the team.
These disputes have created visible friction between teammates. The once-harmonious Penske garage now seems divided, with teammates showing less cooperation on track.
Team leadership must address these consent issues directly if they hope to rebuild trust both within the team and across the broader IndyCar community.
Digital Presence and Fan Engagement
Team Penske has revolutionized how racing teams connect with fans through digital platforms, creating secure and personalized experiences that bridge the gap between the track and online communities.
Authenticating Users Online
Will Power’s digital team implemented robust user authentication systems across all Team Penske platforms in 2019 when Power enlisted a social media manager to boost his online presence. This system verifies real fans while filtering out bots and spam accounts.
The authentication process uses a two-factor approach requiring email verification plus a secondary confirmation method. This ensures that only legitimate fans interact with Power’s content.
Team Penske’s digital platforms integrate with common login services including Yahoo, streamlining the process for users while maintaining security. Their authentication system strikes a balance between being secure and user-friendly.
Verified users gain access to exclusive content including behind-the-scenes footage, driver Q&As, and special promotions that aren’t available to non-authenticated visitors.
Implementing Security Measures
The racing team takes fan data protection seriously, implementing military-grade encryption on their fan engagement platforms. This protects personal information while still allowing for personalized experiences.
Their detailed Cookie Policy outlines exactly how user data is collected and utilized, bringing transparency to the security process. Fans can easily opt out of non-essential tracking.
Team Penske’s security measures also extend to their mobile application, ensuring fans’ information remains protected even when accessing content on the go.
Regular security audits and penetration testing help the team stay ahead of potential vulnerabilities. The team employs dedicated cybersecurity experts who continuously monitor systems for suspicious activity.
Utilizing Personalised Advertising
Power’s team leverages user data to deliver hyper-relevant content and advertising that matches individual fan interests. This creates more meaningful engagement than generic promotions.
The DXC Technology partnership has been pivotal in creating “immersive fan experiences” through tailored digital content based on viewing habits and preferences.
Fan engagement metrics show personalized ads receive 37% higher interaction rates compared to non-targeted promotions. This data-driven approach helps sponsors like MoneyLion achieve better ROI on their partnership investments.
Targeted advertising also helps introduce fans to merchandise, events, and content they might otherwise miss, enhancing both the fan experience and team revenue streams.
Legal and Privacy Considerations
Team Penske maintains strict protocols regarding personal data collection, geolocation tracking, and audience measurement across their digital platforms. These practices balance fan engagement with regulatory compliance.
Data Privacy and Personal Data
When you visit Team Penske’s website, you generally don’t need to reveal who you are or provide personal information. This stands in contrast to many racing organizations that collect extensive user data. For fans following Will Power and other Team Penske drivers, this means you can browse content without mandatory registration.
Personal data collection only occurs during specific interactions:
- Newsletter subscriptions
- Merchandise purchases
- Contest entries
- Fan club registrations
Your IP address may be logged for security purposes, but Team Penske doesn’t typically link this information to identifiable individuals. This approach aligns with contemporary privacy expectations while still allowing for basic site functionality.
Users can manage privacy settings through browser controls to limit data collection. However, this may impact certain features of the site.
Adherence to Geolocation Data Regulations
Team Penske implements geolocation tracking primarily for event-based promotions and regional content delivery. This becomes particularly relevant when promoting Will Power’s appearances at different racing venues.
Geolocation data usage follows these principles:
| Data Type | Collection Method | Usage Purpose | Retention Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| City/Region | IP-based | Regional content | Session only |
| GPS Location | Opt-in only | Event directions | 30 days |
| Venue Check-ins | Explicit consent | Fan rewards | 12 months |
Team Penske complies with international regulations like GDPR for European visitors and CCPA for California residents. Unlike some competitors, they don’t share geolocation data with third-party advertisers without explicit permission.
Search data related to team activities is anonymized after collection. This protects fan privacy while still allowing for meaningful analytics.
Content Measurement and Audience Research
Team Penske employs several methods to analyze how fans interact with Will Power content. This includes using cookies to track page views, video engagement, and merchandise browsing patterns.
The audience research focuses on:
- Content popularity by race series (IndyCar vs. other series)
- Driver-specific interest metrics
- Regional fan engagement patterns
- Platform performance (mobile vs. desktop)
These measurements help shape future content strategy without compromising individual privacy. Unlike the recent push-to-pass controversy that brought Team Penske under scrutiny, their data practices remain largely uncontroversial.
Team Penske gives users options to opt out of non-essential cookies through a preference center. Essential measurement tools remain active to maintain basic site functionality.
Futures and Prospects
The future of Will Power at Team Penske hangs in a delicate balance as his contract expires after the 2025 season. Despite approaching his mid-40s, Power’s recent performance suggests he still has competitive years ahead.
Potential for Team Penske Expansion
Team Penske has shown interest in re-signing Will Power beyond 2025, but nothing is guaranteed. Team president Tim Cindric has acknowledged ongoing discussions about Power’s future with the organization.
Power’s decision to hire an agent for the first time in his career signals he’s taking contract negotiations seriously. He signed with A14 Management in January 2025, suggesting he’s preparing for either renewal negotiations or exploring options elsewhere.
Power himself believes he could remain competitive for “another five years”, which would take him nearly to age 50. Coming off a three-win campaign in 2024, his performance hardly suggests decline.
Emerging Talents and Retirement
At 44, retirement questions naturally surround Power, despite his continued success. The 2025 season will be crucial in determining whether he extends his 17-year relationship with Team Penske.
Power’s performance metrics remain impressive compared to younger drivers:
| Metric | 2024 Season | Career Total | Rank in Active Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wins | 3 | 44 | 1st |
| Poles | 2 | 70 | 1st |
| Top 5 Finishes | 7 | 124 | 1st |
| Avg. Finish | 8.2 | 7.9 | 2nd |
The talent pipeline in IndyCar continues to produce younger drivers eager for premier seats. Power’s contract situation creates potential opportunity for up-and-comers while putting pressure on him to maintain elite performance.
Advancements in the NTT IndyCar Series
The NTT IndyCar Series continues to evolve technologically, presenting challenges for veteran drivers like Power.
Adaptability will be key to his continued success.
Power has consistently demonstrated an ability to adjust to changing regulations and car specifications. This adaptability could extend his career viability despite technological shifts in the series.
Team Penske’s resources allow them to stay at the forefront of technical developments. Their engineering prowess gives Power advantages that might compensate for any age-related disadvantages compared to younger competitors.
The series itself stands at a crossroads with potential hybrid technology integration and changing sponsorship landscapes. Power’s experience navigating previous transitions may prove valuable to Team Penske during this period.
