Will Power is the King of Qualifying! He extended his all-tme record in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES when he earned career pole number 71 at World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) near St. Louis. During the media luncheon at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, I was able to sit down with Power and ask him about his secrets of success to qualifying. He explains how difficult it is and what it takes to get it right. He also explains what it takes to get the Firestone alternate tire in the right window to maximize the lap. Enjoy!
NOTE: Unfortunately, a punctured tire deflated Power’s chances for a victory at WWTR. He made contact with the wall, and that ended his night.
By Larry Mason
Copyright © 2025 Larry Mason
Photo credit: Penske Entertainment: James Black
Wearing his P1 pole position cap after earning his 71st pole at WWTR, Will Power was looking forward to scoring another win too. Unfortunately, a tire issue forced his retirement.
Shown here at Long Beach on the Firestone alternate (soft) guayule tire, Will Power knows how to maximize the additional grip provided to go just that little bit faster. With the competition so high these days, it’s harder to earn poles than ever.
With the pseudo roller coaster in the background, Power navigates his way around Turn 1 at Long Beach. The key here is to keep your minimum speed high, which is hard after having braked so late at the end of the long Shoreline Drive front straight.
Although the dolphins look like they’re having fun dancing on top of the fountain in the flower garden, Power is totally focused on hitting his apex and accelerating as hard and as soon as possible exiting this corner. That’s made more difficult because the wall on driver’s left at the exit juts out in the way.
Pushing hard through Turn 9 at Long Beach with his hand up on the wheel, Power knows one speed – fast!
Interview and photos Copyright © by Larry Mason (unless otherwise noted)