Will Power secured his first NTT INDYCAR SERIES victory since June 2022 at the XPEL Grand Prix of Road America presented by AMR, ending a 34-race drought. The two-time series champion led a podium sweep for Team Penske on the streets of Detroit, delivering an emotional and hard-earned win.
A Triumphant Return
Power, driving the No. 12 Verizon Business Team Penske Chevrolet, crossed the finish line 3.2609 seconds ahead of teammate Josef Newgarden in the No. 2 PPG Team Penske Chevrolet. Scott McLaughlin completed the Team Penske sweep, finishing third in the No. 3 XPEL Team Penske Chevrolet, 8.0148 seconds behind Power.
This victory, Power’s 42nd career win, ties him with Michael Andretti for fourth on the all-time INDYCAR SERIES wins list. The win was particularly emotional for Power, who was embraced tearfully by his wife, Liz, whom he cared for during her serious illness last year, and their son, Beau.
“Massively special,” Power said. “We’ve worked so hard to try to get wins. I worked really hard in the offseason. Obviously, last season was very stressful. I had half a mind at home and half at the track, so it was very difficult to perform at a high level there. Man, I’m just stoked. I’m very happy, man. That was very well deserved for the whole team. We worked so hard for that.”
Race Dynamics
The race began chaotically on Lap 1 when NTT P1 Award winner Linus Lundqvist’s No. 8 American Legion Chip Ganassi Racing Honda was hit from behind by teammate Marcus Armstrong’s No. 11 Ridgeline Lubricants Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, causing a spin. Newgarden narrowly avoided the incident, though it caused him to clip Colton Herta’s No. 26 Gainbridge Honda, sending Herta into a spin.
Kyle Kirkwood initially took the lead after the incident, with McLaughlin following closely. McLaughlin overtook Kirkwood in Turn 1 on Lap 4 and led until Lap 16 when Newgarden took the lead following McLaughlin’s first pit stop. By this time, Power had climbed into the top five, and tire strategies began to play out among the leaders.
Newgarden started the race on Firestone Firehawk alternate tires, while McLaughlin and Power opted for primary tires in their first two stints. INDYCAR rules require drivers to use both tire compounds for at least two laps on road or street courses. The alternate tires, although faster, wear out quicker, setting the stage for strategic pit stops.
Strategic Mastery
The pivotal moment came during the final pit stops. McLaughlin was the first to pit, switching to primary tires at the end of Lap 42. Newgarden pitted one lap later, also opting for primary tires. Power, however, waited until the end of Lap 44, which allowed him to replace his alternate tires with primary Firestones.
This strategy of extending his stint, known as the “overcut,” proved successful as Power exited the pit lane ahead of Newgarden. Newgarden attempted to pass Power at the start of Lap 46 but couldn’t complete the move. Power then cycled to the lead on Lap 49 as other drivers made their final pit stops.
“It was a really good team day,” Newgarden said. “Will did a great job, too. Look, he deserved to win that race, as well. We put together a great day. We just probably misstepped there at the end. I feel bad that I came in a lap early. I probably should have stayed out.”
Championship Implications
Power’s victory also propelled him into the championship lead, five points ahead of Alex Palou, who finished fourth in the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda. Kirkwood rounded out the top five in the No. 27 AutoNation Honda of Andretti Global.
This victory not only ended Power’s winless streak but also marked the first podium sweep by a team in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES since Andretti Global’s drivers Colton Herta, Alexander Rossi, and Ryan Hunter-Reay took the top three spots in September 2020 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Team Penske’s last podium sweep occurred in September 2017 at Sonoma Raceway with Simon Pagenaud, Newgarden, and Power finishing in that order.
Conclusion
Will Power’s victory at the 2024 Detroit Grand Prix was a testament to his perseverance and strategic acumen. Overcoming personal and professional challenges, Power’s win was a deeply emotional moment for him and his team. As the season progresses, Power’s resurgence adds another exciting dimension to the championship race.
