Tony Kanaan
Australian driver Will Power won his first IndyCar Series championship Saturday, finishing ninth in the final race and claiming the season title after a career filled with agonizing misses.
Tony Kanaan won the 800-
kilometer double-points race at Fontana for his first victory of the season, but Power drove an intelligent race with just enough aggression to preserve his healthy points lead.
After briefly taking the lead late, Power comfortably held off second-place teammate Helio Castroneves and wrapped up Team Penske’s first IndyCar title since 2006.
“That’s 15 years of hard work,” Power said. “Started taking it seriously in 2000, and that’s 15 years of hard work. It’s just surreal, man. I can’t believe it.”
Starting from the back after a poor qualifying run, Power patiently picked his way through the field to the front. After a restart late in the race, the Australian roared into the lead with authority, showing he wasn’t about to back into his first title.
With much more relief than elation, Power celebrated overcoming his still-fresh memories of heartbreak in recent seasons. He led the IndyCar points standings heading into the final race in 2010 and 2012, and he led with two races left in 2011 — but he failed to claim the title each time.
“That was one of the hardest races ever,” Power said. “Oh my God, I was crying. It just went on and on. I slowly made up position, and it was great. … I’m was so mentally exhausted right now. My hands are numb from holding onto the wheel so tight.”
Roger Penske’s team completed a dynamic season by claiming three of the top four spots in the overall standings, with fourth place wrapped up by Juan Pablo Montoya, who led the most laps at Fontana.
Power and Penske jointly held up an Australian flag on the victory podium before Power raised the Astor Cup. “Tonight shows you the strength of the team and what we did all year,” Penske said. “What a night. Couldn’t ask for anything more.” AP
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