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.

... notes from The EDJE

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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.

... notes from The EDJE

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TAGS: Alex Palou, INDYCAR, Portland Grand Prix, championship, Chip Ganassi Racing, family, legacy, Pato O'Ward, #IndyCarOnFOX, FOX, racing, oval standings, Michael Schumacher, young fans, 2025 season, The EDJE