Amid speculation about his future with Team Penske and facing a challenging season, veteran driver Will Power delivered a standout performance on Sunday to secure the Team Penske IndyCar Portland victory at the BITNILE.com Grand Prix. The triumph came as Power’s contract nears its end, making this win both a critical morale boost for the team and a personal reminder of his enduring skill.
Power Earns Emotional Win in a Pivotal Season
Will Power‘s success in Portland was his first win of the year and marked Team Penske’s only victory in a trying 2025 campaign. Despite a series of unlucky breaks throughout the season—including engine and tire failures—Power was able to rise above misfortune and take the checkered flag in Oregon. The veteran racer surged ahead during the race’s middle stages and maintained his lead against challenging opponents Christian Lundgaard and Alex Palou in the closing laps.
“I think it’s just a big win for all the team,”
—Will Power, Driver
The competition was fierce in the race‘s final stretch, with Christian Lundgaard and Alex Palou closing in as the field navigated lapped traffic. Power ultimately held his position, despite facing some setbacks. Key to his victory was a moment when David Malukas, who has been rumored as a potential replacement for Power, allowed him to pass cleanly while momentarily slowing the chasing pack, giving Power some much-needed space as the final laps counted down.
With a composed drive to the finish line, Power added a 45th win to his extensive IndyCar career, reinforcing his stature among elite drivers. Reflecting on his long-standing relationships within the paddock, he noted the significance of the moment.
“I’ve had a great career with Verizon and (Team) Penske,”
—Will Power, Driver
“I’ve really enjoyed winning for the guys and everyone I’ve worked with for a long time. It’s awesome.”
—Will Power, Driver
Podium Battles and a New Champion
The battle for the podium was intense behind Power. Lundgaard managed to overtake Alex Palou to secure second place, but the day belonged to Palou in the larger championship narrative. Palou’s third-place finish marked his 11th podium in 15 races and clinched his fourth IndyCar series title, securing a three-peat and further establishing his dominance in the sport.
Early Race Drama and Key Incidents
The event was packed with action from the start. Patricio O’Ward, representing Arrow McLaren, began from pole position, hoping to keep the title race alive, but suffered a technical setback when a wire issue with his DI box forced an unscheduled pit stop on lap 22, costing him ten laps and dashing his championship hopes with a 25th-place result.
Further down the field, Graham Rahal impressively climbed from 22nd to fourth by employing a creative race strategy, while Alexander Rossi claimed fifth. Rounding out the top ten were Callum Ilott, Scott McLaughlin, Marcus Armstrong, Felix Rosenqvist, and Colton Herta. The race’s opening laps saw early incidents, including Santino Ferrucci spinning into the wall and a separate crash triggered by contact between Louis Foster and Rinus Veekay, sparking two early caution periods.
An on-track altercation between Christian Rasmussen and Conor Daly provided more drama, culminating when contact sent Daly into the barriers during an aggressive exchange.
“Purposefully wrecking someone in a 150mph corner is just pure insanity,”
—Conor Daly, Driver
“That’s not racing. It’s inexcusable. The driving standards, for some, are a joke right now. That means you (Rasmussen).”
—Conor Daly, Driver
As the race progressed and nerves settled, competitors ran caution-free for the final 90 laps. Josef Newgarden briefly spun after contact with Scott Dixon, but managed to recover. Ultimately, only Daly and Ferrucci failed to finish, classified 26th and 27th respectively.
Season Outlook and What Lies Ahead
With just two ovals remaining on the 2025 IndyCar calendar, attention now turns to the next event at the Milwaukee Mile on August 24. For Team Penske, the Portland win symbolizes a high point in a tough season filled with speculation and technical woes. Alex Palou, newly crowned champion, continues his commanding run at the top, while other teams and drivers look to end the year on a strong note. As the campaign draws to a close, the stories of resilience, rivalry, and potential change continue to shape the IndyCar landscape.
