The final race at Belle Isle was certainly a memorable one.
After 30 races on the small island park outside of Detroit, the race will move back to downtown next season. Many drivers wanted to earn the final victory on the 14-turn, 2.35-mile temporary circuit but only one could jump into the water fountain at the end of the day.
That driver was Will Power, who is having arguably the best season of his career. The 2014 series champion outlasted a furious charge from Alexander Rossi to win by just 1.0027 seconds. Power and Rossi were on different strategies, and it was Power that came out the victor.
“Enjoyable to chop through the field,” Power said. “I was waiting for something bad to happen those last ten laps. Just a very, very good performance for me mentally. That’s how I judge my performances. I got right in that sweet spot. There’s definitely been a mental shift, just getting older and learning how this thing rolls. If you don’t put it on pole, it’s not the end of everything. I just drove it as straight as I could at the end there. I know if I could keep a reasonable gap at the end, I’d be okay.”
Team Penske’s three drivers have now all won a race this season. Power’s victory today also marks the 100th win for Chevrolet, who were able to celebrate in their own backyard. This was also the first time in the 30 races at Belle Isle that the event went without a caution.
It was an impressive performance from Power, after starting the race back in the 16th position. The win also vaults him into the lead of the championship standings. After seven races, Power takes a three-point lead over Indy 500 winner Marcus Ericsson heading into next weekend.
Rossi finished runner-up for the ninth time in his IndyCar career. Seven of those races were won by a Penske driver. Had the race been 71 laps instead of 70, the Andretti Autosport driver may have been able to get around Power, and snap his 42-race winless streak.
“I think one more lap would’ve…
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