Memo to Media: Don’t be stirring up “Will Power Bitter After Penske Split” headlines. He isn’t, and that story has played out. Evidence: The Plaque.
The last time the two-time series champion and 2018 Indianapolis 500 winner visited the Team Penske shop and saw all of his familiar, longtime colleagues together, after Power and boss Roger Penske parted ways, they had a surprise for him. To commemorate their time together, the gang presented him a plaque depicting the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. “Everyone on the team signed it, except Roger,” Power said Wednesday during his annual IndyCar Content Days interview.
’ I just want to clear that up. ’” Power had no trouble picturing how his remark would be framed in a melodramatic manner. He said, “I can only imagine Roger calling,” and the conversation would go like this: Penske: What’s this?
I didn’t even know about it. Power: Yeah, sorry. It’s the media.
It’s not me. Truth be told, at the urging of his former team, Power had planned to take the plaque to Daytona last weekend, when Power was racing for the 75 Express team in the GTD Pro class in the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona. There he planned to ask Penke to sign it.
“I would like him to,” Power said. He gave a closer look at the situation that played out awkwardly last season and ended with Power leaving his 17-year Team Penske association that produced two series crowns, 42 of his 45 overall victories, and an IndyCar-record 71 pole positions and moving to Andretti Global. ” “Man, Roger gave me a great career.
They just had this situation—he offered me a year. ’ He offered me to come back. But pretty far down the road at that point,” Power said.
“The relationship is good. I’ll always be grateful for what he did for my career and what he’s done for the sport. I was lucky to drive for that long, and I could have continued,” he said, “but I wanted sort of a longer-term contract.
Also for myself, I wanted to know what can I do on another team. Tremendous respect for Roger and the whole organization. “I’d definitely like to beat him, but I want to beat everyone.
We’ve got to go out and win races,” Power said. Teammates Will Power, Kyle Kirkwood, and Marcus Ericsson. ” The transition to Andretti Global, Power said, “feels normal.
It’s just business as normal for me. ” Thinking “Honda” rather than “Chevrolet” and feeling comfortable saying “Andretti” rather than “Penske” is “not even registering the difference,” he said. “You’re in a team.
You’re trying to get the most out of the car and working closely with the engineers. You’re on the Honda sim, all the same stuff. ’ Not that difficult.
” However, he admitted that when he showed up at Indianapolis for Content Days, he went to the rack of driver suits and out of habit was about to grab the Verizon-branded suit, the one first visible, before realizing that suit was not his own. The plaque has become a symbol of Power's time with Team Penske, and it serves as a reminder of the respect and gratitude he holds for his former team and boss. Despite the media frenzy surrounding their split, Power remains committed to his new team, Andretti Global, and is focused on competing at the highest level.
With a strong work ethic and determination, Power is poised to make a successful transition to his new team and continue to achieve great things in the world of IndyCar racing. Power's comments also highlight the importance of communication and respect in any professional relationship, particularly in high-pressure environments like motorsports. By taking the time to address the media and set the record straight, Power demonstrates a commitment to transparency and honesty, even in the face of intense scrutiny.
As he looks to the future, Power is clear about his goals and aspirations, both on and off the track. He wants to win races, beat his competitors, and make a lasting impact on the sport he loves. With his trademark confidence and competitiveness, Power is ready to take on whatever challenges come his way and prove himself as one of the best drivers in IndyCar racing.
Will Power's decision to leave Team Penske was a calculated move that allowed him to explore new opportunities and continue competing at the highest level. By choosing Andretti Global, Power has demonstrated his commitment to winning and his desire to be part of a team that shares his values and work ethic.
