Team Penske Celebrates Breakthrough Victory at Portland
Portland International Raceway, OR — Will Power secured his 45th IndyCar victory, bringing Team Penske back to the forefront after a challenging season. Power’s triumph on Sunday marked a significant moment for both the driver and the team, as they ended a season-long win drought.
The atmosphere in the paddock reflected widespread respect for the Penske crew, with rival teams offering congratulations to Power and crew chief Matt Jonsson. “I was happy for everyone, man,” Power remarked, noting the camaraderie within the IndyCar community. “Many teams were happy to see us get a win.”
Power’s victory holds additional significance as it marks the first win for Jonathan Diuguid in his role as Team Penske’s president. "Will did an amazing job today,” Diuguid stated in the post-race press conference. Emphasizing the difficulties earlier in the season, he acknowledged the combined efforts of all three team cars that contributed to their success in Portland.
Throughout the season, Team Penske had struggled particularly on road courses, making this win crucial for morale and momentum. “To have the dedication and support of all the team members that we have, that is rewarding to me,” Diuguid added, reflecting on the team’s dedication and resilience.
As discussions regarding Power’s future with the team continue, he responded to inquiries about the possibility of being replaced by David Malukas with characteristic candor. “If you’re a team waiting to see if I’m good enough, just go back to last year,” Power retorted, citing his three wins in the previous season as evidence of his capability.
With renewed confidence, Team Penske aims to leverage this victory to build on a challenging year, navigating a landscape where competition remains fierce yet respectful.
