Will Power and Team Penske Fight to Reverse Winless Streak
As the IndyCar season approaches its conclusion, Team Penske faces a critical juncture at the upcoming Portland Grand Prix, where defending champion Will Power is determined to revitalize the team amid a troubling 14-race winless streak. This marks the team’s longest dry spell since 1999, a year when significant changes reshaped the organization after a similar 54-race drought.
Power, after winning in Portland last year, emphasized the importance of maintaining a fighting mentality: “I won last year and we’re pretty strong in qualifying the last couple races here. We have a shot to win any of these next three races.” He focuses on the remaining opportunities in Portland, Milwaukee, and Nashville, stressing, “You can’t let yourself give in.”
However, the statistics paint a challenging picture for Penske. The team has recorded 14 DNFs this season, the highest since 1998, and their average finishing position of 14.5 is the worst since 1999. Qualifying performance mirrors this struggle, with an average of 11.6, also the team’s lowest since 1999.
Power acknowledged the impact of a tough season on team morale: “It has affected people within the team as it always does… it’s been tough from that perspective for them.” He highlighted the added pressure following the firing of three senior leaders in May, which burdened remaining staff.
Despite these setbacks, Power remains resolute: “Even when you’re winning races, sometimes enough bad things happen. You just want to get a win for the team and put an end to it.” With the season wrapping up soon, the team remains focused on improvement and resilience in pursuit of victory.
