Will Power Triumphs At Portland, Secures First 2025 Win For Team Penske Amid Uncertain Future

Team Penske now has a race winning champion in this formally winless season with current contract ending driver Will Power - imagine that. Image Credit: James Black via NICS (2025)

Will Power Triumphs At Portland, Secures First 2025 Win For Team Penske Amid Uncertain Future

Will Power delivered a commanding performance at the BITNILE.com Grand Prix of Portland presented by ask ROI, clinching his first victory of the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season and Team Penske’s inaugural win of the year. The triumph, Power’s 45th career victory, solidified his place as the fourth-winningest driver in INDYCAR history and provided a much-needed boost for Team Penske after a challenging season. The race also saw Alex Palou secure his fourth championship with a podium finish at P3, locking up the 2025 title in a three-peat (2021, 2023, 2024) with two races remaining at Milwaukee Mile and Nashville Superspeedway.

Power’s win at Portland International Raceway was a masterclass in strategy and pace, as he capitalized on a bold call by his engineer to stay out and lead, avoiding a pit stop that could have cost him the race. “I got to push as hard as I could for the whole race,” Power said during the post-race press conference. “It was a Team Penske-type day, man. When we’re put in the position, we can win.” The decision to use red tires in the second stint allowed Power to pull a significant gap, showcasing the team’s strategic acumen and his own relentless drive.

The victory was especially poignant given Team Penske’s tumultuous 2025 season, marked by struggles on road courses and a significant setback in May, which Power and newly appointed Team Penske President Jonathan Diuguid acknowledged but did not dwell on. “It’s been a rough year on many fronts,” Power admitted, but he emphasized the team’s resilience. “The capability has been there every weekend. It’s just been one of those years.”

Diuguid, in his first season as president, praised the team’s efforts to “right the ship” after a string of disappointing results. “Will did an amazing job today,” Diuguid said. “A little bit of a risky strategy, exposed to yellows a lot of times. They didn’t come. Will had an extremely strong pace.” The win, he noted, was a testament to the dedication of the team, which has averaged seven wins per season over the past three years but had struggled to convert potential into results in 2025.

Liz Power shares a special moment with her husband, Team Penske first time team season race winner, Will Power in Victory Circle. Image Credit: Chris Jones via NICS (2025)

The post-race atmosphere was one of camaraderie, with mechanics from rival teams like Andretti and Ganassi congratulating Power’s crew, reflecting the tight-knit nature of the INDYCAR paddock. “I was happy for everyone, man,” Power said. “As I drove down pit lane, many teams were happy to see us get a win there.” The victory was a collective triumph for Team Penske, with Power’s teammates and engineers joining him in Victory Lane to celebrate.

However, Power’s future with Team Penske remains uncertain, as he has yet to secure a contract for 2026. When asked if the win solidified his place with the team, Power was candid: “I have no clue. I don’t know.” He expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, “I’m driving the best I ever have. I’m not slowing down. I am faster.” His performance at Portland, out-dueling championship-caliber drivers like Palou, underscored his enduring skill and racecraft. “If you’re waiting on me to know if I’m good enough, just go back to last year and you’ll fucking know,” Power quipped, referencing his three wins in 2024.

Podium celebration for the at the BITNILE.com Grand Prix of Portland presented by ask ROI from left to right - P2 Arrow McLaren No. 7 driver Christian Lundgaard, P1 Team Penske No. 12 driver Will Power, and through this P3 finish, 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Champion Chip Ganassi Racing No. 10 driver Alex Palou. Image Credit: James Black via NICS (2025)

Diuguid sidestepped questions about Power’s future, focusing instead on the team’s momentum heading into the final two races. “Will’s future is about 30 minutes old from winning a race,” he said. “His future’s definitely bright.” With Milwaukee Mile, a track Power noted as a strength for Team Penske, up next, the team is poised to build on this success.

The race also highlighted ongoing discussions about INDYCAR’s blue flag rule, which Power found frustrating when lapped cars impeded his progress. “It’s very frustrating when you’re trying to win a race and you have to use a lot of push to pass to get around a car that’s going to go a lap down,” he said, acknowledging the complexity of enforcing such a rule but advocating for a fairer fight among leaders.

As the 2025 season nears its conclusion, Power’s Portland victory serves as a reminder of his and Team Penske’s enduring potential. “Never count out Penske, man,” Power declared, a sentiment echoed by the team’s performance on a day that saw them reclaim their place in Victory Lane. With two races left, Power and Team Penske are focused on finishing strong, while the question of his future looms large.

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TAGS: Will Power, Team Penske, Portland Grand Prix, INDYCAR 2025, Alex Palou, championship, Jonathan Diuguid, victory, contract uncertainty, blue flag rule, Milwaukee Mile, Nashville Superspeedway, Motorsports Journal, The EDJE

Alex Palou’s Pursuit Of History And Legacy At The 2025 BITNILE.com Grand Prix Of Portland

Chip Ganassi Racing's now 8 race winner in 14 races, during a 17 race season, celebrates his win in the Java House Grand Prix Of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Image Credit Betty Garcia (2025)

Alex Palou’s Pursuit Of History And Legacy At The 2025 BITNILE.com Grand Prix Of Portland

As the 2025 NTT INDYCAR Series season nears its climax, all eyes are on Alex Palou, the two-time defending champion who stands on the cusp of a historic third consecutive title. Leading Pato O’Ward by 121 points, Palou could clinch the championship at the BITNILE.com Grand Prix of Portland presented by askROI on August 10, 2025, if he maintains a lead of 108 points or more. With two victories and three podiums at Portland International Raceway, the 28-year-old Spaniard is poised to cement his legacy as one of INDYCAR’s all-time greats. Beyond the track, Palou’s reflections on family, legacy, and his meteoric rise reveal a driver grounded by personal milestones and driven by an unrelenting pursuit of excellence.

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A Dominant Season and a Chance to Seal the Deal

Palou’s 2025 campaign has been nothing short of extraordinary, with eight victories propelling him from 40th to 25th on INDYCAR’s all-time wins list, surpassing legends like Gil de Ferran, Simon Pagenaud, and Ryan Hunter-Reay. “I cannot really comprehend everything that’s happening,” Palou admitted during a recent Zoom press conference, his humility contrasting with his staggering achievements. His dominance has drawn comparisons to the sport’s titans, with names like Emerson Fittipaldi (22 wins) and Rick Mears (29 wins) now within reach. Yet, Palou remains focused on the immediate challenge: Portland, a track where he’s thrived, winning in 2021 and 2023 and finishing second in 2024 despite Will Power’s blistering pace.

Portland’s 1.964-mile, 12-turn layout suits Palou’s precise driving style, which he describes as requiring a “99 percent” effort to avoid the walls that punish overzealous moves. “It just really matches my style,” he said, noting the track’s narrow, street-course-like demands. With qualifying critical to avoiding Turn 1 chaos—a lesson learned from a pole-to-20th drop in a past race - Palou aims to start up front and dictate his fate. His strategy is clear: “If we win the race at Portland, we can seal the championship there.” Rather than settling for a safe finish, he’s chasing a ninth victory, which would bring him closer to tying the single-season win record.

Primary to Alex Palou, Esther Valle and Lucia Palou, greet Alex at the Farm to Finish 275 powered by Sukup victory circle. Image Credit: Chris Owens via NICS (2025)

Family as the Heart of Success

While Palou’s on-track prowess dominates headlines, his role as a father has added profound depth to his journey. Becoming a dad has transformed his perspective, making victories sweeter and setbacks more bearable. “It’s made my life just a lot more special,” he shared, describing the joy of returning to his daughter after a race. “Whenever it’s a good day, you can celebrate even better because you’re happy not only about your success but what it’s bringing to the family.” Photos of his daughter in Victory Lane have become cherished mementos of a season defined by both professional triumph and personal fulfillment. Even on tough days, her unconditional love resets his focus: “She doesn’t care, she’s still playing, and she just wants to hug you.”

Palou’s family ties extend to his childhood, where his father, a mechanic, was his first hero. “I thought he was the best driver in the world because he was able to teach me so well,” he recalled. This familial foundation fuels his desire to inspire the next generation. The idea that young fans might look up to him as he once idolized Michael Schumacher during Ferrari’s dominant era is “crazy” but deeply meaningful. “If I can help a young kid be a bit more motivated to enter motorsport, that would make my life,” he said.

Respect. Image Credit: Chris Owens via NICS (2025)

Navigating Rivalries and Respect

Palou’s eight wins in 2025 have outpaced the career totals of peers like Scott McLaughlin and matched those of Alexander Rossi, while he’s closing in on Pato O’Ward and Colton Herta. Despite his dominance, he insists his competitors haven’t treated him differently, though he acknowledges their frustration with a laugh: “I know they don’t like it. It’s competition.” His focus remains on his own performance, crediting Chip Ganassi Racing for providing a car that’s “been feeling amazing this year everywhere we’ve been, especially road courses.”

A Vision for INDYCAR’s Future

Beyond his personal achievements, Palou is optimistic about INDYCAR’s trajectory, particularly with FOX’s recent minority stake acquisition. “Having a partner like FOX, that they don’t need to look for how to reach more people, is going to be huge,” he said, praising their promotional efforts, from fuel station ads to visibility during major sports broadcasts. While he’s intrigued by the idea of international races—perhaps even in his native Spain - he believes the series should prioritize markets with passionate fan bases. “We need to try and find those people that would be willing to sacrifice so much for INDYCAR,” he noted.

Image Credit: Joe Skibinski via NICS (2025)

Ovals and the Road Ahead

With two oval races remaining after Portland - Milwaukee and Nashville - Palou is also chasing another milestone: leading the oval standings. Trailing O’Ward by just one point after securing his first two oval wins in 2025, he’s buoyed by newfound confidence. “It feels amazing,” he said of closing the gap, citing a test session at Iowa as a turning point. A test at Nashville before the season finale offers hope for further improvement, though he remains cautious about past struggles at both tracks.

A Legacy in the Making

As Alex Palou prepares for Portland, he carries the weight of history and the promise of legacy. Reflecting on his rookie self in 2020, he’d advise simply to “enjoy and work hard,” recognizing that success is built on incremental gains and resilience through inevitable setbacks. With a potential fourth championship in six years, he’s crafting a Hall-of-Fame career at a breathtaking pace. Yet, it’s the balance of racing glory and family joy that defines his 2025 season. 

Sunday’s BITNILE.com Grand Prix of Portland presented by askROI race will air live on FOX, the FOX Sports app and the INDYCAR Radio Network at 3 p.m. ET. The weekend’s first practice is at 5:30 p.m. ET Friday on FS2 and the INDYCAR Radio Network.

As he navigates Portland’s challenging corners, Palou is not just racing for points or records but for a legacy that inspires both his daughter and the next generation of motor-culture dreamers watching from the stands.

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Maximum Points Effort By Palou Almost Closes Out A Historic 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Championship Season

Java House Grand Prix of Monterey race start on full send. Image Credit: Ralph Garcia - Motorsports Journal (2025)

Maximum Points Effort By Palou Almost Closes Out A Historic 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Championship Season

To be clear, at the beginning of this 14th race of a 17 race season at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, there was a small chance at having the balance of the 2025 season have an actual fight for points to close this season out. 

With a maximum points effort by the chief challenger to points leader and winner of 7 races in 12 events (already an unheard of level in dominance during the car specific formula era) Chip Ganassi Racing's driver of the No. 10 DHL Honda Alex Palou, Pato O'Ward, driving the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, sitting 99 points behind in this achievement tally, would need to score every point available this weekend while Palou would have to finish on down the order. 

Pato O'Ward, driving the Arrow McLaren No. 5 Chevrolet, has won two of the last three races over two previous weekends. Only Maximum Efforts in points apply. Image Credit: Betty Garcia - Motorsports Journal (2025)

Total points available can be pretty confusing to some so here’s how the points system works in a race, explained as if we’re discussing it over a business lunch (with a couple of beers and a decent burger - medium-rare). If you win the race, you earn 50 points - a significant reward. Second place secures 40 points, and third place takes 35. The points then decrease gradually by a varying point margin, with 25th place and beyond receive a locked-in 5 points each for participation. This structure encourages fierce competition while still recognizing everyone who finishes.

Alex Palou has to be an odds on favorite to secure a fourth NTT INDYCAR SERIES Championship in only five years - this would include a three-peat. Image Credit: Betty Garcia - Motorsports Journal (2025)

To further motivate bold and strategic driving, additional points are available. Secure pole position, and you gain 1 extra point. Lead at least one lap, and you earn yet another 1 point. If you lead the most laps in a race, you’ll add 2 points to your tally. These bonuses emphasize the value of strong qualifying and calculated race execution. Clear enough?

Maximum effort points for a win? Start from P1 earned during the three round knockout qualifications structure - one point | lead a lap - one point | lead most laps - two points | win the race is fifty points ... so we are lookin' at 54 points. 

If Pato O'Ward was able to make these final four races of the season a championship points race, he would need Maximum Points effort of 54 points for all four races to garner 216 points. Then Pato needs Alex Palou to not earn 99 points over these next four races. So - 98 divided by 4 equals 24.75 points on a pure mathematical average - Alex needs to finish P6 or better without any bonus points. 

Ed Carpenter Racing's Alexander Rossi in his No. 20 Java House Chevrolet taking the drop into Turn 8b, the Corkscrew, with the Pacific Ocean under a fog bank off on the horizon, during knockout qualifications at the Java House Grand Prix of Monterey. Image Credit: ECR via FB/META (2025) 

Welcome to the newly sponsored Java House Grand Prix of Monterey held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca - where the rubber meets the now worked in and weathered track surface laid down before the 2023 season that is getting back to the "go-kart" feel of the original track surface.

Dale Coyne Racing driver Rinus Veekay exceeds the lessening grip of the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca's newly aging surface in Turn 3. Image Credit: Betty Garcia - Motorsports Journal (2025)

“It's looking a little bit more like older Laguna Seca, which I like,” said Andretti Global driver Colton Herta, the 2019 and 2021 winner, to RACER. “I think it opens up the passing a lot more, and the raceability of the racetrack is going to be a lot better. It seems like there's more deg [degradation] than previous years by a good chunk."

NTT P1 Pole Award for the Java House Grand Prix of Monterey - 1 point gained. Image Credit: Ralph Garcia - Motorsports Journal (2025)

Alex Palou surged to overall victory at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. A maximum points effort was registered with the gaining of one point for capturing the NTT P1 Pole Award during the three round Knockout Qualifications format, one point for leading at least one lap in the race, two points for leading the most laps of any driver in the race, and a full fifty points for winning the race in spite of two late race Full Course Yellow sessions and restarts leading all competitors to the Checkered Flag by 3.7965 seconds. Maximum Points provided through maximum effort at 54 Points - Pato O'Ward finishes at P4 costing him to lose 22 points in the season championship points race.

Podium Champagne Spray celebration at new podium center at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for the Java House Grand Prix Of Monterey. P1 - Alex Palou - P2 Christian Lundgaard - P3 Colton Herta. Image Credit: Betty Garcia - Motorsports Journal (2025)

In claiming his eighth win of the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, Alex equaled a feat unmatched since Sébastien Bourdais driving in the ChampCar Championship Series in 2007. In leading 84 of the 95 laps, Palou, piloting Chip Ganassi Racing’s No. 10 DHL Honda, showcased relentless dominance. His triumph extended his championship lead to 121 points over Pato O’Ward, driver of the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, who battled to a respectable fourth-place finish.

Christian Lundgaard delivered another strong performance, securing second place for his latest podium. Colton Herta, representing Andretti Autosport, rounded out the top three with a solid third-place run.

With just three races remaining, the championship chase intensifies. The series heads to Portland International Raceway in two weeks, a track where Palou has triumphed twice before. On the cusp of clinching the title, Palou needs only a 108-point lead exiting Portland to seal the championship. A win, or a second-place finish paired with bonus points for pole position or leading the most laps, would lock in the crown, regardless of O’Ward’s result.

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TAGS: INDYCAR 2025, Alex Palou, Pato O'Ward, Chip Ganassi Racing, Arrow McLaren, WeatherTech Raceway, points chase, maximum effort, championship fight, race points, Java House Grand Prix of Monterey, The EDJE

Palou’s Dominance And Power’s Contract Drama: The 2025 INDYCAR Season Unfolds Post R13 Toronto

2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Championship Season winds down with only four races - two dedicated road courses and two oval tracks - left to decide who's best and who's left. Interesting to see the teams in the top 10 in the points championship shows Ganassi Racing, Arrow McLaren, Andretti Global, and Meyer Shank Racing each with two drivers where Team Penske has only one and the surprise showing of AJ Foyt Racing also with one driver in the ranking. This observation leaves Ed Carpenter Racing, Dale Coyne Racing, Juncos Hollinger Racing, Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, and first season PREMA Racing out swinging and scratching their heads as to what do they need to do to be a Top 10 competitor. Image Credit: NICS Screengrab via FB/META (2025)

Palou’s Dominance And Power’s Contract Drama: The 2025 INDYCAR Season Unfolds Post R13 Toronto

With only four races remaining in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, the championship battle has taken an intriguing turn following the Toronto event. Alex Palou holds a commanding lead with 536 points, positioning him as the frontrunner for a potential three-peat and a fourth title. A recent analysis from the Motorsports and Car Culture Committee of the MPG suggests that Pato O'Ward, trailing by 99 points, faces a steep challenge to overtake Palou, needing victories in all remaining races - each worth 50 points - while Palou finishes 12th or worse, a scenario deemed highly improbable by Motorsports Journal Managing Editor Edmund Jenks.

SELFIE ... Podium Style! Winner of the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto Arrow McLaren driver Pato O'Ward grabs a phone and snaps the picture with P2 Dale Coyne Racing's Rinus Veekay and P3 Chip Ganassi Racing's (first podium) Kyffin Simpson. Image Credit NICS via FB/META (2025)

The standings underscore Palou’s consistency, with O'Ward and Kyle Kirkwood, 173 points back, struggling to close the gap. Scott Dixon, 174 points adrift, and Christian Lundgaard, 219 points behind, also appear out of contention barring extraordinary circumstances. Critics argue that Palou’s lead, bolstered by Chip Ganassi Racing’s strategic prowess, makes his championship defense nearly unassailable. O’Ward’s Arrow McLaren team will need flawless execution and a significant dip in Palou’s form to shift this momentum, a feat that seems unlikely with the season winding down.

Will Power does not seem too concerned about his chances at keeping another year on contract with Team Penske while delivering the most consistent performance season of any Team Penske driver in 2025. Image Credit: Christopher Owens via FB/META (2025) 

Adding intrigue to the season is a subplot surrounding Will Power’s future with Team Penske. With his current contract nearing its end, Power’s position is under scrutiny, especially as rumors swirl about David Malukas as a potential replacement for 2026 - with four races left in 2025, Power is at 263 points vs Malukas at 259 points. This uncertainty has heightened the stakes for Power, who must prove his worth in the final races held at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, Portland International Raceway, Milwaukee Mile, and the finale held in Nashville at Nashville Superspeedway to secure a new deal.

Despite the pressure, Power has emerged as Team Penske’s most consistent and highest points-scoring driver in 2025, again, amassing 263 points - 24 points ahead of teammate Scott McLaughlin, who stands at 239 - and DNF season-prone Josef Newgarden at 213. This unexpected dominance has fueled speculation about whether Power can leverage his performance to sway the team’s decision, adding a layer of tension to the championship narrative - with the backdrop of Team Penske rule-breaking that led to firings at the top level of management - as the driver market chatter intensifies.

Much more champagne has to flow on O'Ward at P1 in the next four races for this season's championship to become an actual points race as long as Palou runs and finishes down in double digit positions (which is very doubtful, at best). Image Credit: Christopher Owens via FB/META (2025) 

As the season heads into its final stretch on July 21, 2025, the focus remains split between Palou’s seemingly inevitable title and the off-track drama surrounding Power. With only four races left, the combination of on-track competition and contract negotiations promises a dramatic conclusion to an already compelling INDYCAR season.

Practice for the Java House Grand Prix of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca kicks off on Friday at 5 p.m. ET (FS2, FOX Sports app, INDYCAR Radio Network), marking the 14th of 17 races in the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. The 95-lap race, a critical event with only four races remaining, is scheduled for Sunday at 3 p.m. on FOX. A Spanish-language telecast will also be available on FOX Deportes, adding to the anticipation as the championship battle intensifies.

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INDYCAR's Kyle Kirkwood Eyes Victory At Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto

Kyle Kirkwood soon after he captured the NTT P1 Pole Award for the 2025 Acura Grand Prix Of Long Beach. As stated by Kyle before AGPLB weekend, "Long Beach has been one of the best tracks for Andretti Global. I think Toronto and Detroit are starting to grow on that. Street courses in general, really, really good. Long Beach has been a top one for the team. We're always excited. That place just produces a lot of good energy with the amount of fans, et cetera, et cetera." Image Credit: Ralph Garcia (2025)

INDYCAR's Kyle Kirkwood Eyes Victory At Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto

As the NTT INDYCAR SERIES gears up for its final street course event of the 2025 season, the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto, Andretti Global’s Kyle Kirkwood expressed high confidence during a ZOOM press conference held on Wednesday, July 16. Fresh off a challenging weekend in Iowa, the 26-year-old driver is eager to leverage his team’s street course prowess and chase a third victory of the season on the iconic streets of Toronto.

Kirkwood, who finished as the runner-up to teammate Colton Herta in last year’s Toronto race, highlighted the team’s dominance at the event in 2024. “Colton was fastest in every single session all the way up to the race,” Kirkwood noted, recalling Andretti Global’s 1-2 finish. “We had a lot of control at this place.” With two street course wins already in 2025, Kirkwood sees Toronto as a prime opportunity to close out the season’s street circuit schedule on a high note.

Motorsport Journal's Edmund Jenks asked a couple of pre-Toronto race weekend questions that went as follows:

Motorsports Journal: I know this seems to be like flogging a talking point. This is now the second year that the hybrid will be at Toronto. I wanted to get your reflection on the nuances of working the hybrid system and the re-gen and how that works out at Toronto. Do you feel it gives you any advantages?

KYLE KIRKWOOD: Certainly it's a new aspect for drivers and teams to get right. It's created in no doubts some headaches for us trying to figure it out. The good team does it well, right? I think we did it really well last year. We clearly got a handle on it.

This year I haven't seen numbers, but I'm sure they increase the energy limit that you can have for a given lap. That means we will need to change up the strategy a little bit so you can utilize it the best way.

It's still a work in progress, we're still building, figuring out as much as we can about the system.

Honestly, I love it. I think it's a good thing that there's something new in the series and we're building on it and we have to focus on it. It is worth quite a bit of lap time to get it right.

It is very driver-involved. Yes, the team can get it right, they can tell me what to do, but if I don't get it right in the car, if I do something wrong, that means I'm hurting everybody in general, right?

It's created a fun dynamic that the team has to figure it out, then the driver still has to apply it and learn how to use it themselves.

Now we're, what, a year and a bit in since we first had it. I'd say we've gotten a really good handle on it and it will be interesting to see how it plays out this weekend with the added energy.

Motorsports Journal: You seem to do really well with street courses, hybrid and everything. Seems like you have it all melded in. Good drivers love to watch other good drivers do well. You want to applaud them, recognizing how a season like Alex Palou is having, you have to applaud it because it is so tremendous. How much super glue will it take to keep him out about two races so that this becomes a points race again?

KYLE KIRKWOOD: He's really strong. I don't know. You might have to weld him to something. I'm not sure if super glue is going to stop him.

I'm sure we can get a bunch of drivers together to lock him in a room or something for a weekend. I don't think that's going to do much in this championship race.

Motorsports Journal: It's going to take ... some violence?

KYLE KIRKWOOD: Again, to your point, as racing drivers, we like to see each other succeed. Of course, we don't want to see failures within ourselves. In some ways when somebody's doing something like Palou has done, it's an incredible thing. I think maybe the viewers don't recognize as much as they should of what somebody like that is doing in this series.

In most case scenarios, what we've done this season prior to Iowa would be an amazing championship run. We'd be leading the championship in most seasons. This season he's just done something incredible, right?

I think people shouldn't look at it as a negative, like it's making it boring. That's not the case. What you're witnessing is greatness in action. We're doing everything we can to try and come back to him, which we've done a good job to do, but it still hasn't been enough.

Yeah, it's incredible. So in many ways, yeah, it would be nice if he took a couple weekends off and we can come back to him. You know what, I love racing. I think he's a wonderful person. I hope we have a lot of good races in the future with each other.

ENDS

While Kyle Kirkwood enters INDY Toronto at P4 (-180 points) in the season championship points race with only five more races to run, Kyle hope to stand atop the podium and spray champagne as he did here at the season's most admired street race weekend on the streets of Long Beach as it celebrated its 50th year of "Rites Of Spring" motorsports contest. Image Credit: Edmund Jenks - Motorsports Journal (2025)

Representing this weekend with Silver Gold Bull (full livery on track), a Canadian company partnered with Andretti Global, Kirkwood expressed enthusiasm for the alignment. “It’s a cool alliance,” he said. “This clearly makes a ton of sense for them given that it is in Canada. It will be exciting to try to go for another win with them.” The partnership, now over a year strong, adds extra motivation for Kirkwood to perform in front of the Canadian crowd.

Despite a disappointing outing in Iowa, where a crash and a poorly timed caution derailed his weekend, Kirkwood remains undeterred. “Last weekend was an anomaly for us,” he admitted, acknowledging the 180-point gap to championship leader Alex Palou. “That seems unattainable from this point, but as long as it’s mathematically possible to beat him, we’re going to keep trying to get wins.” Kirkwood emphasized the importance of moving forward, focusing on Toronto’s potential to be Andretti’s “best event of the year.”

The Toronto street circuit, with its unique blend of different pavements and slick conditions, presents a challenge Kirkwood likened to a hockey rink. “Every corner gives you a different balance,” he said. “It’s a fun place to drive… It seems impossible to pass, but you get on the front or back straight, and it creates really good passing opportunities.” Andretti’s strong track record at street courses like Long Beach, St. Petersburg, Detroit, and Toronto fuels Kirkwood’s optimism, with the team’s data-driven preparation and simulator work setting the stage for a competitive weekend.

Kirkwood also reflected on the team’s progress under the leadership of owner Dan Towriss. “Dan and everyone around him has kind of taken the bull by the horns,” he said, playfully nodding to Silver Gold Bull. “That is the reason why we’ve been good at so many races this season.” Towriss’s hands-on approach, including strategic meetings to bolster the team’s championship aspirations, has elevated Andretti Global’s performance, making them a “force to be reckoned with.”

The dynamic within the Andretti driver lineup - Kirkwood, Herta, and Marcus Ericsson - further strengthens their prospects. “We love to see each other succeed,” Kirkwood said, dismissing any notions of rivalry. “We share it all. That’s what propels us forward.” This collaborative spirit was evident in last year’s Toronto race, where the team prioritized a 1-2 finish over individual glory.

Looking ahead, Kirkwood acknowledged the strategic challenges posed by the extended race distance and the limitations of the alternate street course tire, which offers high grip but limited durability. “Getting nailed down, trying to run the best strategy with that, hoping it’s not a lottery… We’re going to try to turn what might be a challenge hopefully into a positive for us,” he said.

Beyond the track, Kirkwood expressed his affection for Toronto, praising its culture, food, and vibrant atmosphere. “I love going to Toronto,” he said. “The city is great. The food is phenomenal. It’s definitely high on the bucket list.” With dinner plans at some of the city’s top restaurants, Kirkwood is set to enjoy the off-track experience as much as the on-track action.

As the only international race on the INDYCAR calendar, Toronto holds a special place, though Kirkwood deferred to series officials on the prospect of adding more global events. “I love the races that we go to now,” he said. “I don’t understand the dynamics or anything that goes into racing at a new venue out of the country.”

With his sights set on a P1 finish, Kirkwood’s preparation blends rigorous data analysis with the physical demands of an athlete. “It’s important that you feed yourself like an athlete because you want to perform like an athlete,” he said, underscoring the sport’s intensity. After a season of highs, like his Detroit win, and lows, like Iowa, Kirkwood views Toronto as a potential turning point to finish the 2025 season strong.

As Andretti Global rolls into Toronto with unmatched confidence, Kirkwood and his teammates are poised to capitalize on their street course dominance. With the support of Silver Gold Bull and the leadership of Dan Towriss, Kirkwood aims to add another chapter to Andretti’s storied history at Exhibition Place, proving that even in a season dominated by Alex Palou, Andretti Global remains a formidable contender.

... notes from The EDJE

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TAGS: Kyle Kirkwood, Andretti Global, Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto, NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Street Course, Silver Gold Bull, Colton Herta, Dan Towriss, Toronto Street Circuit, INDYCAR 2025, Alex Palou, Team Dynamics, Championship Race, Iowa Crash, Detroit Win, The EDJE

NTT INDYCAR Hybrid Re-Gen Punch Reveals Insights During Indy 500 Qualifications

Alex Palou - 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Day After Photoshoot. Image Credit: Travis Hinkle via Penske Entertainment (2025)

NTT INDYCAR Hybrid Re-Gen Punch Reveals Insights During Indy 500 Qualifications

The 2025 Indianapolis 500 qualifications, spanning nearly 40 hours and involving 34 cars, provided the first real-world insights into the performance and strategic implications of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ new hybrid regeneration system. The weekend’s intense sessions highlighted how the electric hybrid power unit influences racing dynamics, challenging initial assumptions and revealing its nuanced role in competition.

Throughout the qualifications, the hybrid system’s additional 70+ horsepower was a focal point for FOX Sports commentators Will Buxton, James Hinchcliffe, and Townsend Bell. They frequently speculated that the extra power could propel drivers into the top 12 positions or the Firestone Fast Six, potentially overtaking competitors by boosting lap speeds. 

However, the flogging of this performance expectation was repeatedly unmet. Even when drivers posted competitive first laps, the hybrid’s power deployment did not consistently deliver the anticipated speed surges to climb/overtake in the order, prompting a reevaluation of its impact.

Robert Shwartzman - Indianapolis 500 Front Row Photo Shoot - Image Credit: Chris Owens via Penske Entertainment (2025)

In a post-qualifications interview, FOX Sports race announcer Will Buxton offered deeper perspective after speaking with drivers, particularly the top two qualifiers: veteran Takuma Sato and rookie Robert Shwartzman.

He found that despite Sato’s extensive INDYCAR experience and Shwartzman’s lack of oval racing background, both secured the front row, showcasing the hybrid system’s adaptability. Shwartzman revealed that he and Sato opted for higher downforce setups, prioritizing car stability over minimal drag. This approach allowed them to maintain precise control, extracting performance through “fingertip feel” rather than pushing the car to its limits with a looser, riskier setup.

Takuma Sato - Indianapolis 500 Front Row Photo Shoot - Image Credit: Titus Slaughter via Penske Entertainment (2025)

Buxton noted that most drivers adopted a similar hybrid deployment strategy during qualifications, using a gradual trickle of power across each lap. Sato, however, deviated slightly, hinting at a unique approach that contributed to his pole position. The real intrigue, Buxton emphasized, lies in how the hybrid system will influence race day strategy. Unlike the Push-to-Pass system, which provided a temporary horsepower boost, the hybrid’s regenerative energy can be accumulated by lifting off the throttle, particularly in traffic, and deployed strategically on straights or out of corners.

This dynamic introduces a strategic layer reminiscent of Formula 1’s Drag Reduction System (DRS). The race leader, unable to regenerate energy as effectively as trailing cars, may become vulnerable to overtakes. Conversely, drivers in the pack can leverage recharged energy for bursts of speed, potentially reshaping race dynamics. 

“This is a step into the unknown,” Buxton remarked, underscoring that none of the 33 drivers have raced with this system before on a superspeedway oval, making the 2025 Indy 500 groundbreaking in the reliability and advantage functions of the Hybrid-Powered Dallara platform.

Compared to previous performance-enhancing racing technologies like F1’s DRS or INDYCAR’s Push-to-Pass, the hybrid regeneration system appears less transformative in delivering raw speed. Its primary benefits seem to lie in mitigating tire degradation and managing weight distribution, subtly enhancing car balance rather than providing a dramatic power advantage.

Alex Palou & Family at the yard of bricks start/finish line of Indianapolis Motor Speedway  - 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 Day After Photoshoot - Image Credit: Chris Owens via Penske Entertainment (2025)

Following the Indy 500, Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou emerged victorious, solidifying his dominance in the 2025 season. After six races of the 17-race championship, Palou, the only driver since A.J. Foyt in 1979 to win five of the first six races, has clearly mastered the hybrid regeneration system’s subtle advantages, leveraging its strategic nuances to claim his first oval race and INDY 500 crown to further cement his legacy in INDYCAR’s hybrid era. 

Proving, that, ultimately, the driver controls the outcome of his own finish.

With his closest competitor of Arrow McLaren's Pato O'Ward at -112 point deficit, Alex Palou is well on his way - with 306 points in six of seventeen races scheduled - to a fourth INDYCAR SERIES Championship in five years (2021, 2023, 2024). 

Welcome the Hybrid-Powered age of NTT INDYCAR SERIES Championship season racing.

Post Script >>>

Pato O'Ward has an opinion on the real value of HYBRID-Powered engines in NTT INDYCAR SERIES racing. O'Ward in the pits at the Chevrolet Grand Prix Of Detroit - Image Credit: Aaron Skillman via NICS (2025)

'The hybrid has brought zero benefit’ – O'Ward - Racer May 30, 2025

... notes from The EDJE


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TAGS: NTT INDYCAR SERIES, hybrid regeneration system, #INDY500, #IndyCarOnFOX, #HYBRID, Re-Gen Punch, Pato O'Ward, Alex Palou, The EDJE

FOX TV Reveals Shiny New Toy Of INDYCAR During Super Bowl LIX

 

Super Bowl LIX Fox Sports ad campaign is artistic, informative and just a little bit edgy and most everyone likes it. Image Composite: Edmund Jenks via NICS (2025)

FOX TV Reveals Shiny New Toy Of INDYCAR During Super Bowl LIX

In front of the largest crowd of viewers ever recorded by the venerable ratings organization, Nielsen - rated at 126 million viewers, FOX TV revealed, as if they were running the auctions in Arizona by removing a car cover with flair, their biggest commitment to motor culture in 2025 - the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

In an evening that could have been marked through its disappointments of lopsided score - niche market music performer missing the ability to seize the audience - lack of buzz-worthy $8 Million per 30 second commercials & etc., FOX TV promotions department previewed and made a star out of its recent season long broadcast rights agreement with Penske Entertainment and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES emerged as one of the biggest winners of this weekend's FOX Sports Super Bowl broadcast, thanks to a series of high-impact, well written, and tightly produced three-spot ad campaign. The campaign, which introduced the open-wheel racing series to a much broader sports & culture focused audience, was widely praised by fans and industry insiders alike.

What was one of the most noticeable aspects of the campaign theme was that there was a heavy focus on capturing the unique personalities of the racers, highlighting their extraordinary skill, courage, and commitment, wrapped in the tagline, "The Fastest Racing on Earth," reinforcing IndyCar’s identity as a premier professional motorsports spectacle. The commercials were truly engaging even if one was not originally a motor culture maven.

The campaign's success coincides with a major shift in IndyCar’s broadcast landscape, as Roger Penske and Mark Miles secured a landmark all-network deal with FOX beginning this year here in 2025. This agreement is expected to significantly elevate the sport’s visibility and accessibility, positioning it for a new era of growth.

The campaign also stands out for its strategic execution across multiple platforms, including broadcast, web, and social media. It marks a significant step forward in IndyCar’s marketing efforts, reminiscent of past high-profile campaigns. Industry veterans who have been involved in IndyCar advertising and marketing since the early 1990s noted the effectiveness of the new approach, comparing it to earlier efforts that celebrated the emotional projection of the sport.

Now that this marker has been set, it would be immensely enjoyable to have this approach and assets applied to not only the drivers in the series, but to have it applied to the other two stars of this most dynamic set of trials over the course of a championship season - racing platform technology & racing venues and the styles of team effort it takes to compete at this level on temporary street circuits, dedicated road courses, small and high-speed endurance oval tracks.

If a little bit is good, more is better ... as we look forward with anticipation to seeing more content, revealed with flair, from this group of very talented communications artists at FOX Sports and their collaborators Special Group.

... notes from The EDJE

P.S.

One suspects that since FOX TV owned the rights to broadcasting the Super Bowl, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES ads, produced by the creative team at FOX Sports and Special Group, were aired for free.

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TAGS: FOX TV, FOX Sports, Special Group Agency, NTT, INDYCAR SERIES, Championship, Pato O'Ward, Josef Newgarden, Alex Palou, Super Bowl LIX, The EDJE