Will Power, driver for Team Penske, strengthened his position in the fight for the 2024 INDYCAR title after winning the Grand Prix of Portland, a victory that revitalizes his aspirations after two difficult races. Starting from second place, Power managed to overtake Santino Ferrucci in the first corner and maintained control throughout the race, finishing with a nearly 10-second lead over Alex Palou, the current championship leader.
A Strategic Victory
Strategy was key for Power to secure the win. From the first lap, the Australian managed his advantage, supported by a Team Penske that was impeccable in the pits. Despite pressure from Palou, who came dangerously close on lap 26 due to an incident with Pietro Fittipaldi, Power remained calm and defended his position.
Power's performance in Portland marks a significant turnaround compared to his recent results in Toronto and World Wide Technology Raceway, where he finished in 12th and 18th positions respectively. This victory, his third of the season, places him just 54 points behind Palou, keeping the title fight wide open with three races remaining, all on ovals.
The Impact on the Championship
With three races remaining, two of them at the Milwaukee Mile and the final at Nashville Superspeedway, the championship enters its decisive phase. Power has an advantage on ovals, with 10 career victories, including one at Milwaukee in 2014 and another recent one at Iowa. On the other hand, Palou, despite never winning on ovals, has proven to be a consistent competitor.
Josef Newgarden, Power's teammate, completed the podium in Portland, followed by Colton Herta and Marcus Armstrong. These results not only highlight the competitiveness of the teams but also underline the intense battle that lies ahead for the championship.
What's Next in the INDYCAR Calendar
The next challenge will be the Milwaukee doubleheader, a circuit that hasn't been part of the calendar since 2015. This return to a classic oval adds an element of uncertainty, where any mistake could cost the championship. Power, with his experience on ovals, has a golden opportunity to continue closing the gap with Palou, while the championship leader will look to maintain his advantage in less familiar territory.
The season will culminate in Nashville, another oval where Power and his team hope to capitalize on their experience. With everything at stake, the battle for the 2024 INDYCAR championship promises to be one of the most exciting in recent years.
Results of the 2024 Grand Prix of Portland - NTT INDYCAR SERIES
| Pos | Car | Driver | Time/Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12 | Will Power | 01:55:34.1948 |
| 2 | 10 | Alex Palou | +9.8267 |
| 3 | 2 | Josef Newgarden | +23.2046 |
| 4 | 26 | Colton Herta | +37.1039 |
| 5 | 11 | Marcus Armstrong | +38.0334 |
| 6 | 8 | Marcus Ericsson | +40.7687 |
| 7 | 3 | Scott McLaughlin | +42.3498 |
| 8 | 14 | Santino Ferrucci | +44.8556 |
| 9 | 15 | Graham Rahal | +49.5811 |
| 10 | 27 | Kyle Kirkwood | +50.9987 |
| 11 | 21 | Rinus VeeKay | +52.1760 |
| 12 | 7 | Alexander Rossi | +52.4979 |
| 13 | 45 | Christian Lundgaard | +55.4967 |
| 14 | 60 | Felix Rosenqvist | +56.7606 |
| 15 | 5 | Pato O'Ward | +58.3930 |
| 16 | 4 | Kyffin Simpson (R) | +59.4851 |
| 17 | 18 | Toby Sowery (R) | +1 Lap |
| 18 | 14 | Sting Ray Robb | +1 Lap |
| 19 | 20 | Juri Vips (R) | +1 Lap |
| 20 | 22 | David Malukas | +2 Laps |
| 21 | 51 | Nolan Siegel (R) | +3 Laps |
| 22 | 41 | Conor Daly | +3 Laps |
| 23 | 75 | Linus Lundqvist (R) | +3 Laps |
| 24 | 66 | Jack Harvey | +3 Laps |
| 25 | 31 | Pietro Fittipaldi | +4 Laps |
| 26 | 19 | Christian Rasmussen (R) | +4 Laps |
| 27 | 39 | Romain Grosjean | +5 Laps |
| 28 | 9 | Scott Dixon | +Contact |
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