Will Power secured victory around the road course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Saturday and said it was great to finally have a good day in 2017 after a tough start to the Verizon IndyCar Series season.
The Team Penske driver came out on top ahead of Scott Dixon and Ryan Hunter-Reay, leading 61 and out of 85 laps, and is aiming to make it an Indianapolis double as he now turns his focus to the Indianapolis 500.
“It just feels great to finally have a good day and everyone has worked so hard on our team,” said Power. “Obviously, a rough start. But, like you said, should have won a couple by now.
“It helps in points. It’s great to get a win again. I think that’s number 30. Good number. I want to make that 31 by the end of this month.”
Will Power took victory on Saturday at IMS for his first win of 2017 – Credit: Joe Skibinski / IndyCar
Dixon admitted he gave it his all but his Honda-powered Chip Ganassi Racing machine struggled with its rear tyres during the race, meaning he was unable to put a lasting challenge on Power to take the victory. He was able to pass Helio Castroneves late in the race to claim second, but fell five seconds short on the win.
“It was definitely a tough day,” said Dixon. “We couldn’t really hold onto the rear tyres. The Honda just had too much power there. We were spinning the rear tyres.
“Good points there for everybody on the NTT Data car. Great day for Honda. Obviously, not a win but very close. Looking forward to Monday and getting on the big track here.”
Scott Dixon struggled with his rear tyres on Saturday – Credit: Joe Skibinski / IndyCar
Hunter-Reay completed the podium and said it was important to get some good luck after Andretti Autosport have had it’s fair share of bad luck so far during the season. He was also able to get ahead of Castroneves with just ten laps remaining for his first top three result of 2017.
“Pretty solid day,” said Hunter-Reay. “We’ve had a lot of bad luck this year and it’s been frustrating, but we kept our heads down and it feels nice to come onto the podium here before we kick off the most important few weeks of our careers and our whole season.
“It’s nice to get the yellow and red DHL colours back here and close to the top step of the podium. We’re saving that for the (Indianapolis) 500, I guess.”
Ryan Hunter-Reay took third at IMS on Saturday – Credit: Chris Owens / IndyCar
