Will Power’s journey to the 2024 Indianapolis 500 has been filled with determination, resilience, and flashes of brilliance
The recent practice session showed that he has both the machinery and the mindset to contend for a second Indy 500 title.
With Team Penske at his back, a solid baseline under the car, and the hunger to redeem last year’s disappointment, Power is gearing up for what could be one of the most significant races of his storied career.
As the countdown to the 2025 Indianapolis 500 continues, Will Power remains laser-focused. He’s not just racing for another win—he’s racing to cement his legacy.
A second victory at the Brickyard would place him among the elite few who have won the race multiple times.
But even with his eye on the prize, Power isn’t taking anything for granted.
“This place doesn’t owe you anything,” he said. “You’ve got to earn it—every lap, every session, every race. That’s what makes it special. That’s why we all keep coming back.”
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Will Power Reflects on Strong Practice Showing Ahead of 2024 Indy 500
Veteran Team Penske driver Will Power delivered an impressive performance during the rain-shortened practice session on May 13 ahead of the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500.1
Topping the speed charts with a blistering lap of 227.026 mph, Power not only led the session but also reinforced his team’s dominance by spearheading a Team Penske 1-2 finish.
The practice session was cut short due to inclement weather, but not before Power made his mark.
With the track open for just a brief period before rain and lightning forced an early end, Power took full advantage, becoming the only driver to break into the 227 mph range.
His teammate Josef Newgarden was not far behind, clocking in at 226.971 mph. Their performance reinforced the strength of Team Penske heading into the marquee event on the IndyCar calendar.
Post-Session Thoughts: A Driver’s Honest Reflection
Following the session, Power spoke with INDYCAR’s Paul Kelly and offered a glimpse into his mindset heading into the upcoming race weekend.
The 2014 IndyCar Series Champion expressed cautious optimism.
“I think we’ve got a pretty good baseline. My teammates are pretty good. I learned a thing or two off them. It’s (Indianapolis 500) almost its own championship in itself. You’ve got to look for your weaknesses and improve.”
His words reflected the humility and strategic mindset of a seasoned racer, aware that dominating practice is just one piece of a much larger puzzle at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
A Redemption Story in the Making?
For Power, the 2024 Indianapolis 500 is more than just another race—it’s an opportunity for redemption.
Last year, the Australian driver qualified in a strong second position but suffered a major crash during the race while attempting a high-risk pass on Christian Rasmussen.
That crash relegated him to a 24th-place finish, a disappointing outcome for a driver of his caliber. The crash was a hard lesson in the unforgiving nature of oval racing at Indianapolis, where one misstep can erase months of preparation.
Will Power: Solid Foundations
Building Momentum in 2025 Season
Will Power’s 2025 season thus far has been a mix of challenges and progress.2
His campaign began at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 2, where he qualified in 13th place.
Unfortunately, contact on the very first lap involving Nolan Siegel and Louis Foster led to an early exit, resulting in a 24th-place finish.
However, the experienced driver quickly rebounded. At the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix on May 4, Power qualified 4th and brought the car home in 5th place—an encouraging result that showed his ability to regroup and deliver under pressure.
Progress and Podiums: Rising Through the Field at Sonsio Grand Prix
Momentum continued to build during the Sonsio Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course on May 10. There, Power qualified 7th and fought through a competitive field to secure a 3rd-place podium finish.
This result not only added valuable championship points but also boosted his confidence heading into the most prestigious race on the calendar.
It served as further proof that Power and his crew were hitting their stride at the right time.
Team Penske’s Dominance: A Key Advantage
Team Penske has long been a powerhouse at the Indianapolis 500, and Power’s performance in practice underlines the team’s continued supremacy.
Having teammates like Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin provides not only strong competition internally but also a wealth of shared data and experience.
Power acknowledged the benefits of this team dynamic, noting that he often learns new techniques or setups from his fellow drivers. This collaborative atmosphere is one of the strengths of Team Penske and could be pivotal in the race.
The Quest for a Second Indy 500 Crown
Will Power’s victory at the 2018 Indianapolis 500 remains one of the high points of his career. However, winning the 500 once only fuels the desire to do it again.
For Power, now 44 years old, another win at the Brickyard would cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats.
The 2024 edition offers a real chance. With solid pace in practice, improving performances in recent races, and a renewed sense of focus, Power enters the race week as one of the dark horses to watch closely.
Will Power: Navigating the Elements
Weather as a Wild Card
The May 13 practice session was marred by rain and lightning, limiting track time for many teams.3
While Power was able to get his fast lap in before the weather shut things down, other drivers weren’t so fortunate.
Weather disruptions are always a factor in May at Indianapolis. How teams adapt to such interruptions can often separate contenders from the rest.
In that regard, Power and his team managed to make the most of the opportunity, showing their preparedness even under less-than-ideal circumstances.
A Veteran’s Poise: Experience Over Youth
While younger drivers like Pato O’Ward and Colton Herta continue to make waves in the series, Power’s experience gives him a unique edge.
He has seen all types of scenarios unfold at Indy—from triumph to heartbreak—and that veteran wisdom can make a difference when the green flag drops.
The ability to stay calm under pressure, execute pit strategy with surgical precision, and navigate through chaos are hallmarks of a great Indianapolis 500 driver. Power possesses all of these attributes in abundance.
The Bigger Picture: More Than Just a Race
As Power mentioned in his post-practice comments, the Indianapolis 500 feels like “its own championship.”
The race carries historical weight, prestige, and unmatched attention. Drivers treat it with a reverence unlike any other event on the calendar.
For Power, performing well at Indianapolis is not only about earning points or winning trophies—it’s about etching his name deeper into motorsport lore.
Each lap completed, each pass made, and each pit stop executed is a step toward racing immortality.
Looking Ahead: Race Day Goals
With the race set to take place on May 25, Power and Team Penske will continue refining their setups during the remaining practice sessions and qualifying rounds.
Qualifying performance will be critical, especially considering how difficult it can be to pass in the middle or back of the field.
If Power can secure a strong qualifying position and maintain the speed shown in early practice, he’ll be in a prime spot to challenge for the win.
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Will Power Reflects on the Brutal Truth of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Two-time IndyCar Series champion Will Power is no stranger to the challenges of open-wheel racing at its highest level.
But even with his extensive experience, Power remains respectful—and even wary—of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Oval.
During the recent two-day open test at IMS from April 23-24, several incidents underscored just how punishing the track can be, prompting Power to speak candidly about its dangers.
The Legacy of Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Known as “The Racing Capital of the World,” the Indianapolis Motor Speedway holds a special place in the hearts of motorsport fans and drivers alike.
With a history dating back to 1909 and the legendary Indianapolis 500 running annually since 1911, the speedway is one of the most iconic and storied venues in the world.
Yet, for all its prestige, it’s also notorious for its treacherous nature—especially when cars are running at the razor’s edge of performance.
For Power, who clinched the Indy 500 title in 2018 and is also a two-time IndyCar Series champion, the track commands deep respect. It’s a place where experience helps but doesn’t always guarantee safety or success.
High-Speed Risks and Minimal Margins
During the open test, Power and the rest of the field had to contend with speeds approaching 230 mph while running in a low downforce setup—conditions that make the car extremely sensitive to even the slightest changes.
Combine that with the unpredictable nature of Indiana’s spring weather, and you have a volatile formula.
Speaking about the track conditions, Power said:
“It can be tough… A windy day plus a heavy car, it is going to be challenging. It’s already in qualifying trim while you’re already with quite a bit of downforce. Yeah, you saw like how quick the cars just snap with [Takuma] Sato and [Kyle] Larson, it’s a bit more unforgiving.”
The Crashes That Sparked Concern
Two of the most prominent incidents during the April open test involved high-profile drivers: Takuma Sato and Kyle Larson.
Sato, a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, lost control of his car, and shortly thereafter, NASCAR champion and IndyCar rookie Kyle Larson also suffered a heavy crash.
Both incidents served as a stark reminder of the razor-thin margin between control and catastrophe on the IMS oval. While both drivers were unharmed, their crashes highlighted how a momentary lapse or slight miscalculation can result in a violent impact.
Will Power: The Cost of a Mistake at IMS
At many racetracks, a small mistake might mean a trip through the grass or a spin in a runoff area.
At IMS, however, the margin for error is minuscule. The walls are close, the corners are high-speed, and there’s little time to react if things go wrong.
“You can do everything right and still get caught out,” Power said. “Maybe the wind shifts, or someone in front of you moves unexpectedly. One moment, you’re on the line. The next, you’re in the wall.”
This unforgiving nature is part of what makes victory at Indianapolis so meaningful. It’s not just a race—it’s a trial by fire.
Respect Among Champions
Power’s respect for IMS is echoed by his fellow champions. Drivers who have conquered the oval all share a deep understanding of its challenges and nuances. That respect creates a unique camaraderie among those who’ve triumphed in the Indy 500.
“Everyone who’s won here knows what it takes—and what it can take from you,” Power said. “It humbles you. It makes you better, but it never lets you get comfortable.”
In the coming weeks, Power will join other past Indy 500 champions on the grid, all of whom are aiming to add another chapter to their legacy at the Brickyard.
The Evolution of Safety
Despite the ever-present danger, IndyCar has made significant strides in improving driver safety.
Innovations like the Aeroscreen, advanced crash structures, and better data monitoring systems have saved lives.
But as Power noted, no amount of technology can completely neutralize the risks of high-speed oval racing.
“These cars are safer than ever,” he acknowledged, “but you’re still going 230 mph with a concrete wall right there.
The danger is part of what makes it so rewarding when you succeed.”
Experience Matters—But Doesn’t Guarantee Safety
At 44 years old, Will Power brings decades of experience to the table. He’s seen the sport evolve, witnessed devastating crashes, and earned his place among the legends of IndyCar. Still, he knows that experience only goes so far at a track like IMS.
“You never stop learning here,” he said. “Every year, the cars are different, the conditions change, and new drivers come in hungry. You’ve got to adapt constantly.”
That mindset has kept Power competitive well into his forties, and it’s likely to keep him in contention for another Indy 500 victory.
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