In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Will Power has etched another significant milestone into the history books of Team Penske. During the recent qualifying event for the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at the World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR), Power secured the team’s 700th pole across all racing series. Not only did he dash ahead to record his 71st career pole—extending the NTT INDYCAR SERIES record—but he also led a stunning front-row lockout for the INDYCAR powerhouse.
Power, driving the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet, achieved a two-lap average speed of 180.329 mph, marking his first pole position since July 2023 at Iowa Speedway. His teammate Scott McLaughlin trailed closely behind, qualifying second with an average speed of 179.783 mph in the No. 3 DEX Imaging Team Penske Chevrolet. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy as it highlights Team Penske’s remarkable consistency and prowess in INDYCAR racing.
With this latest pole at WWTR, Power has solidified his legacy at the 1.25-mile oval, having now earned five poles there. His excitement was palpable as he reflected on the achievement: “It’s been a while since I’ve had a pole, so really, really excited. Hopefully, we can execute in the race. Man, it would be awesome to get a win here.” His positivity hints at the competitive spirit that characterizes both Power and Team Penske, especially given that they have yet to visit the victory lane this season.
The upcoming race, which consists of 260 laps, is set to begin at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, and it promises to be a thrilling contest. Power, McLaughlin, and teammate Josef Newgarden are all keen to change their fortunes after finishing third in earlier races—a notable limitation for a team known for its historical dominance. The fans’ anticipation is building up as they hope to see their favorite team break through and claim victory.
Power’s successful qualifying session wasn’t just a personal victory; it resonated with the entire Team Penske family. The intricate strands of Team Penske’s DNA were present among the top qualifiers, with Pato O’Ward from Arrow McLaren also showing promising form, qualifying third with a speed of 179.190 mph. Nearly all drivers in the closing qualifiers benefited from improved track conditions, thanks to light cloud cover that lowered the track temperature—demonstrating how finely tuned racing can be influenced by even minor atmospheric changes.
David Malukas qualified impressively fourth at 179.079 mph in the No. 4 Clarience Technologies Chevrolet, representing A.J. Foyt Enterprises, which benefits from a technical alliance with Team Penske. Josef Newgarden rounded out the top five with an average speed of 178.910 mph in the No. 2 PPG Team Penske Chevrolet. It’s worth noting that Newgarden has won this particular race five times—a record that speaks volumes about his experience and competitiveness on the track.
Rounding out the qualifying results, Marcus Armstrong secured sixth place with a speed of 178.754 mph in the No. 66 SiriusXM/Root Insurance Honda operated by Meyer Shank Racing with Curb-Agajanian. He was the fastest Honda-powered driver in a field dominated by Chevrolets, illustrating the competitive variety present in the series. Championship leader Alex Palou, who has been on a hot streak this season with five victories, qualified ninth at 178.381 mph in the No. 10 Ridgeline Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.
As the race day approaches, the dynamics of the track and the strategies employed by the drivers will play a crucial role in determining the outcome. With Power, McLaughlin, and Newgarden eager to enhance their standings, fans are in for an exhilarating spectacle. The strategies developed during qualifying will be put to the test as the teams prepare for an intense battle on the oval.
In conclusion, Will Power’s achievement isn’t just a personal milestone; it represents Team Penske’s rich legacy and continued pursuit of excellence in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. As they gear up for what promises to be an eventful race, the anticipation is palpable. Whether Power can convert this pole into a much-needed win for the team remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: the commitment, resilience, and talent of Team Penske keep them at the forefront of competitive motorsport. Fans everywhere are watching, hoping for a triumphant return to victory lane.
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