Power Poised for Portland: Key Insights Ahead of the Grand Prix
PORTLAND, OR – Will Power, the defending champion of the Grand Prix of Portland, is primed for battle on the 1.967-mile layout where he is one of only two repeat winners since the IndyCar Series returned in 2018. Driving the No. 12 Chevrolet for Team Penske, Power emphasized his familiarity with the track, stating, “I’ve always liked the Portland Grand Prix track… If this is what Indy car racing is all about, then I’m up for it.”
Power shared critical insights into the track’s nuances, particularly the complexities of Turn 1, which he described as a challenge for positioning. “You’re braking from high speed… If you’re passing someone and haven’t got it done on the straight, you then have to compromise your line into Turn 1,” he noted, underscoring the importance of strategy and speed throughout the circuit.
Expectations are high for Power as he aims for Team Penske’s first win of the season amid a challenging championship landscape. “Obviously, we’re way out of the championship running but for all of us on the No. 12 car, there’s a lot to fight for in these last three races,” he remarked.
At a Glance
- Race Distance: 110 laps / 216.04 miles
- 2024 Pole Time: 58.2046s (Santino Ferrucci, AJ Foyt Racing)
- Fastest Race Lap: 59.7462s (David Malukas, Meyer Shank Racing)
- Push to Pass: 200 seconds total, max 20 seconds per activation
- Hybrid Energy Deployment: Unlimited activation, max 350 kJ per lap
- Tire Allotment: Five sets of primary, five sets of alternate (mandatory use for race)
Weekend Schedule (All times local)
Friday, August 8
- 2:35-3:55 p.m. – Practice 1, FS2 (live)
Saturday, August 9
- 9:00-10:00 a.m. – Practice 2, FS1 (live)
- 11:35 a.m. – Qualifying, FS1 (live)
- 4:32-4:57 p.m. – Final Practice, FS1 (live)
Sunday, August 10
- 12:15 p.m. – Grand Prix of Portland “Drivers, start your engines”
- 12:22 p.m. – Race Start, FOX (live)
As the weekend approaches, all eyes will be on Power and his pursuit of a crucial victory in Portland.
