Will Power sure is making Team Penske look silly right now.
He became the first Penske driver to win an IndyCar race in this comically un-Penske like season with a commanding victory Sunday at Portland International Raceway in Oregon.
It was fitting that the team’s slump-busting triumph came from Power, the steadiest of the Penske trio this season. His position of sixth in the season points standings is higher than teammates Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin.
“It’s what we expect at that team. I’m driving the best I ever have. Simple as that. I’m not slowing down. I am not slower, I am faster,” Power declared. “My toolbox is still big as far as understanding the cars, race craft, all that. I guess I’m different to some people. I never stop working at it. It’s a passion. I love it. That’s why I’m still winning.”
It’s a contract year for the Australian driver, who has given no indication the team has shown any movement toward extending his deal into next year despite his long history with the team, years of winning, and his showing as arguably the best of the Penske drivers this year.