Will Power & Honda enjoy second win in a row in IndyCar racing in Toronto
Will Power knew when to put the foot on the gas and when to play it safe on Sunday at the Honda IndyCar race in Toronto. Power’s aggressive and patient driving helped him to avoid any involvement in the earlier crashes during the race.
Power showed a lot of composure as he manoeuvred his way past the other bikers. He passed Justin Wilson when the race restarted with 14 laps left in the race to clinch his fourth victory of the season by restricting Dario Franchitti to the second place. Drivers like Castroneves and Ryan had cruised past Power in the initial phase, but he had other things in mind.
Power’s mentality and driving from the beginning showed that he wanted to avoid any carnage. However, he also wanted to win the race which he did by gambling after crossing Wilson from outside the first turn. Power pulled off away from Wilson and the gap extended when Wilson spun and dropped out of contention which resulted in his ticket to the top of the podium.
Power was not only critical about avoiding the early wrecks but also kept an eye on the conditions of his car and his tires as the race progressed. Power dealt with the wear and tear of the car intelligently as Power said, “It was a risky but yet tempting move though I had no idea where I would be in the next corner, but sometimes for winning you have to take risks.” Power added that he was really happy with his car and the way it was performing. Furthermore, he expressed his thankfulness and happiness for his team.
The win makes it the 8th career victory for Power out of which 3 were won in the Defunct Cup Car circuit and the rest in IndyCar racing. However, the interesting fact about all these race wins is that the wins have come either on street or road courses. His win in Toronto adds to his win at Watkins Glen some two weeks ago along with the wins at Sao Paulo and St. Petersburg - adding up to a total of 4 wins in this season.
Power, who is now 42 points ahead of Franchitti, expressed his desire to win an oval race. Spectators and his team witnessed Power win the 2007 Toronto Championship Car race on a very bumpy and twisting circuit in Toronto.
Power seems to enjoy his racing in Canada as three of his wins have come here. The driver dedicated this win to his Canadian grandmother and uncle who live in the country. Power not only achieved his personal goals but also managed to help Roger Penske to his 150th Open Wheel win. This was his 41st win in IndyCar racing, finishing 1.3 seconds ahead of the second place man Franchitti. Hunter-Reay finished the race at third spot.
Franchitti expressed his disappointment by saying that his pit stop one lap earlier than Power with 30 laps to the finish did not serve him well. The race also saw Patrick finish her best in the season’s sixth road and street event.
Tags: