Will Power moved to within twenty points of championship leader Simon Pagenaud after clinching his fourth victory of 2016 around the Tricky Triangle of Pocono Raceway on Monday.
After being delayed following rain on Sunday, Power brought himself into contention in the second half of the 500-mile event, and the Team Penske driver admitted post-race to his delight at being able to take the win, and now is gunning for his second Verizon IndyCar Series title.
“It was so hard to follow in traffic because we started very light on downforce but you know, we just kept adding and adding and adding,” said Power. “Then the team adjusted on the car a bit until it was awesome at the end and I was very good in traffic.
“I just have to thank Verizon and for all the access they give the fans and I also want to thank Chevrolet. The Chevy engine was awesome today and the body kit was obviously also awesome. So you know it was a very good comeback and I am very happy to win here.
“I love winning 500-mile races and this is one of the toughest ovals that we race on. We are chipping away at (gaining on the championship leader) and obviously there is still a lot to go. Now we will give it everything because we really want to win this championship.”
Power admitted he was worried by the pace of Mikhail Aleshin during the closing laps of the race, but said he was relieved that he was able to maintain his position out front to clinch his 29th career series victory.
“Mikhail was giving me a lot of heat there at the end,” said Power. “I was like, ‘Man is he going to get me?’ He was close. I felt like if I could take his air in three but I felt if he had to lift there, I would be okay, but he was very strong.
“That is as good as it gets. No mistakes. Great stops. As an overall team effort, that was as good of a day you could possible get. Thanks to my team.”
