Will Power tapestry hanging in the Penske Racing
Museum. (The Tomaso Collection)
And who am I to question when a driver should
retire? Especially if they’re still Haulin’ the Mail, ergo performing. And
potentially tapping into thoust mythical Fountain of Youth?
Yeah, we all know the seismic moves in IndyCar occurring just 48 hours after the chequered flag few at Nashville. For which I
still have a hard time believing, having scribbled the following on Saturday
afternoon.
Hope I’m not reading too much into this, but!
Listened to Qualie’ today from Nashville on IndyCar Radio. And when Michael Schreech’ Young was interviewing
Will Power, He sounded the most despondent I’ve heard Him in a very long time!
Had very short, shaky, terse answers. With much gloom in His voice! Making me
wonder if the reality of it being His final IndyCar race was suddenly hitting
Him?
As I’ll agree I think He’s at least gone from
Penske, which is a shame. Especially since He’s their best performer this year,
and His replacement David Malukas, although showing brief glimpses of promise.
Especially with the last two weeks front row qualifying effort, still doesn’t
seem a better driver than Power is. Even if He’s the second oldest driver on
the grid.
Colton Herta wasn’t much better in His brief
interview either. Apparently telling Jake the Riddler’ Query, He didn’t know
when asked about leaving Andretti? Although it just sounded like He mumbled
when asked.
Now talk about sour grapes, as I find it quite
pettish that Team Penske is holding onto Will Power until His contract expires
on December 31st, Really? Like Ain’t that Christmas party gonna be really
awkward, Eh? As this seems quite churlish by El Capitano’, nee Roger Penske!
It's well documented that William Steven Power
will turn the age of 45 years old at St Pete on race day, March 1, 2026. Yet
nobody’s been asking for Scotty thee Iceman 2.0 Dixon to bring us His Torch,
Righto?
With Dixon, the elder Statesman of IndyCar telling
one of IMS Radio Network’s pit reporters Yeah Man, I’ll be back when asked
about next year. For which I’m fairly certain that Cheep’s being far more
classier’ than Roger is regarding Dixon’s future. With Ganassi letting Dixon
race for the team as long as He wants to.
Since Power mimics the longterm success of
Dixon. Having scored 42 wins and 65 pole positions during His 17 seasons at
Team Penske. Not to mention once again, finishing the highest of its three
drivers in ninth place this season. One point ahead of ScottyMac’, ergo Scott
McLaughlin in tenth; with Josef Schlick’ Newgarden P12…
Whilst I always enjoy seeing new, young and raw
talent become Stars of the future in IndyCar. Once again, I’d have to say that
Penske got this one all wrong! And like Helio Castroneves premature end at Team
Penske, I now sincerely hope that DJ WillyP’ has a Breakout season at Andretti
Global!
As it would be fantastic for Power to win a few
races, most notably the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500! And really stick
the knife into Penske by winning His third Astor cup next year! Although the
championship obviously runs thru Alex Palou and Chip Ganassi Racing once again…
And by the way, I have nothing against David
Malukas, who’s been my Numero doce IndyCar driver for many years now. But I’ve
also been a Huge Will Power Fan, ever since that brief unexpected encounter in
the old IMS Hall of Fame museo Wayback’ in Gory 2009.
Having scribbled about my appreciation for DJ
WillyP”’
over the years here on No Fenders, and am
simply dismayed over How RP’ and Team Penske handled the whole Power contract
negotiations affair! Which David Malsher-Lopez so eloquently lays out in His
Racer article below.
An
Inglorious End to a Glorious Partnership
Strange Days Indeed!
