Will Power’s Portland Podium Streak Sparks Excitement

Will Power finishes third at Portland International Raceway, banking a fifth podium at the track after late drama costs a stronger result in the OnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland.

The Andretti Global driver leads when Alex Palou pits on Lap 82, but a missed Lap 86 pit call leaves him circulating in traffic. Before stopping, he is 23 seconds clear of Palou and 26 ahead of Felix Rosenqvist.

Power rejoins 7.5 seconds behind Rosenqvist and cannot convert the overcut. His Firestone alternate tyres fade late, limiting the chase despite a strong first phase on reds.

He admits uncertainty over the radio message with strategist Ron Ruzewski, noting the usual confirmation never arrived. Power believes second was realistic, but victory remained unlikely.

Andretti Global nevertheless converts a valuable podium with the No. 26 TWG AI Honda. It is Power’s first Portland start for Andretti after three prior Portland wins with Team Penske, detailed in Will Power’s Portland run.

The result extends a mid-season recovery. After only one top-10 in the opening eight races, including a March 15 Arlington podium, momentum returns through the summer.

From World Wide Technology Raceway on June 7, he climbs from 21st to eighth at that event and then collects four top-10s across five starts. He now sits 11th in points.

Kyle Kirkwood secures fifth for Andretti, rising to second in the standings behind Palou. Two opening stints on alternates deliver early gains before a late vibration costs fourth to Rinus VeeKay.

VeeKay’s fourth continues a strong run, his third top-five in five races. He qualifies fifth, a season-best, and credits Juncos Hollinger Racing for consistent balance and confidence.

Marcus Ericsson takes sixth to sustain his recent form, while Scott McLaughlin’s seventh extends his Portland consistency. Josef Newgarden finishes eighth, adding another strong result after Josef Newgarden’s Portland race upturn.

Christian Lundgaard delivers a standout recovery, climbing from 25th on the grid to ninth after qualifying setbacks.

The manufacturer headlines the day with another sweep, underlining improved road-course execution and tyre management across its leading entrants.

At the front, Palou seals a third Portland win, tying Power, Michael Andretti, and Al Unser Jr. That achievement is unpacked in Alex Palou’s Portland win.

The series shifts to street circuits next, starting with the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy at Markham on August 16, then Washington, D.C., promising strategic variance and narrow-margin racing.

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Brian Thompson

Brian Thompson focuses on IndyCar Series news, from qualifying speeds at Indianapolis Motor Speedway to street-course race strategy. He delivers concise feature stories and technical breakdowns on chassis setups, tire choices, and championship standings for open-wheel enthusiasts.