After winning Sunday’s IndyCar race from Portland, Will Power was introspective and descried how every win is special to him at this point in his career.
Power has won 44 events across nearly two decades in the series, and finds more enjoyment than ever in his achievements.
The 43-year-old took time to talk to media about how he views his achievements and that he is aware that he will not be able to be a driver forever, though retirement is not necessarily coming soon.
“Man, anytime I win in this series, I feel so lucky,” said a contemplative Power after the race. “Like it feels like it’s so impossible and hard to win.
“I was thinking through the race, ‘No way I’m going to win this. He’s going to get me.’ But you do your absolute best. When you get a win, it’s a very good feeling. It’s very, very satisfying.
“It takes so much, it really does. To get through all those rounds in qualifying, to qualify right at the front, that is so difficult in this series. Then to execute completely on a race day with so many good guys and teams around you, it really is a big deal just to get on a podium in IndyCar.
“Every win I get now, it’s so special. It really means a lot. It’s adding to my win list. It’s not like I’m racing for another decade, put it that way.
“Yeah, I work really hard at my craft, so it’s very satisfying. I know all the guys on the car really deserve it. Best pit crew in pit lane. They have been the quickest the last couple years. They are again this year.
“That’s a hard situation to come upon. To be in that situation, to be a good driver in a great team, having the opportunities to win. Bloody winning a race is a big deal.”
Power also revealed that he has fond thoughts of the Portland International Raceway track, as that was where he completed his first test in an open wheel car in America.
He still had thoughts of that first test day as he was racing around the track this weekend, which prompted him to talk further about how lucky he feels to be a race car driver.
“I worked very hard always, was very determined. It’s something that unfolds very slowly. It’s not a big shock that it happened now.
“When you reflect on it when you came here all those years ago, it was a dream. What I’ve done, I’ve lived out my dream, absolutely. I’ve just lived it out.
“You need to reflect sometimes and appreciate that when you get mad or disappointed about something that happens. You’re really lucky to be here.”
With his win, Power closed the gap to Alex Palou in the championship battle. He now sits 54 points behind with three races remaining in the season, and is attempting to win his third IndyCar title.
