Will Power, a long-time Team Penske driver, left the IndyCar season finale at Nashville Superspeedway facing uncertainty about his contract for 2024, as Roger Penske postponed a final decision on his tenure. The Team Penske future for Will Power hangs in the balance while the paddock and racing world await news of his fate following an emotionally charged weekend.
An Emotional Farewell May Be Nearing
After Sunday’s race in Lebanon, Tennessee, Will Power lingered on the pit wall, speaking quietly with his engineer, while his wife Liz stood by in tears. The couple slowly made their way through crowds from the track’s pit lane to the paddock, and eventually, Power entered RP1, the trackside hub where team owner Roger Penske works. A planned post-race meeting was set to discuss Power’s future with Team Penske.
Though Power emerged from the meeting without clear answers, he seemed to sense that Nashville might have marked his final outing with the organization, as Penske deferred the conversation to Monday.
Like, either way, no matter what happens, Roger has been extremely good to me. Very, very good to me,
—Will Power, Driver
I’ve been lucky for the chance to win championships, Indy 500, a lot of races, poles. So whatever happens, I think I was so lucky to drive for Roger Penske. Man, it gives me goosebumps thinking about being presented that opportunity.
—Will Power, Driver
A Storied Career with Team Penske
Will Power has been a mainstay at Team Penske, winning 41 races, securing two IndyCar series championships, and capturing victory at the 2018 Indianapolis 500. Recognized as IndyCar’s all-time pole winner with 71 poles, Power’s career is filled with achievements. However, with his 45th birthday approaching in March and a history of Penske factoring age into its driver selections, speculation about his potential replacement has intensified. David Malukas, only 23 years old, has been widely mentioned as a top candidate for the seat.
This season, Power has outperformed his fellow Penske teammates, including Josef Newgarden, despite the team’s overall struggles. Newgarden’s win in Nashville marked only Penske’s second victory of the year, while Power narrowly missed the chance for another strong finish after a costly pit lane error dropped him far down the field.
He could have won this race. It’s a shame to see what happened to him. He’s a legend,
—Josef Newgarden, Driver
There was a point midway through the race I came over the radio and was like ‘Look at Will. Just amazing.’ I was like, ‘He’s incredible.’
—Josef Newgarden, Driver
Challenges and Reflection Following the Race
Power’s pit stop mistake — leaving the car in second gear and sliding through the pit box — resulted in a penalty for hitting equipment, effectively ending his hopes for a final win this season. He finished a disappointing 21st, visibly feeling the weight of the error and the unresolved future with the team.
I’m very, very disappointed for the day,
—Will Power, Driver
Had a car to win, man, I really did just make a mistake. Would have been nice to finish the season with a podium or a win.
—Will Power, Driver
As team members, friends, and the rest of the IndyCar paddock speculate, uncertainty surrounds Power’s next steps. Rumors link him to Andretti Global, especially if Colton Herta heads to Formula 2, although both Herta and team co-owner Dan Towriss have refused to comment on the matter.
Evaluating What Comes Next
Following Saturday’s qualifying, Power indicated that other options might be on the table, suggesting he would weigh his available opportunities and career goals for the final years of his IndyCar journey.
There are definitely options, depends on if it’s somewhere you can win,
—Will Power, Driver
Reminiscing about his time with the organization, Power recalled how Roger Penske chose him in 2009 to fill in while Helio Castroneves faced a tax evasion trial, which led to Power’s permanent spot after Castroneves’ acquittal. Apart from the challenging 2023 season, which was impacted by his wife Liz’s life-threatening illness, Power has secured at least one win in every other season with Penske.
That’s the thing you’ve got to reflect on, like, man, who gets a chance? If you’re doing the job at the right time, which was me, you got to take the ball and run with it,
—Will Power, Driver
He described his profession as an “amazing, amazing career,” open to whichever opportunity presents itself next.
I will always look back at my time at Penske — if I don’t go back — as one of the best times of my life.
—Will Power, Driver
The Significance of Power’s Uncertain Future
The Team Penske future for Will Power remains unresolved, casting a shadow over one of IndyCar’s most storied careers in recent memory. The final verdict from Roger Penske will not only shape Power’s legacy but could also trigger a series of driver shifts across teams like Andretti Global or others considering lineup changes. As the IndyCar community waits, Power’s emotional reflections highlight the impact of a successful run with Team Penske, and the possible dawn of a new chapter either within the organization or beyond remains one of the offseason’s biggest storylines.
