Will Power has claimed the 2022 NTT IndyCar Series title after a strong performance in the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey overnight.
 
Heading into the season finale with a 20-point advantage over Team Penkse teammate Josef Newgarden, Power sealed the deal after finishing third in the 95-lap race.
 
The Queenslander put himself in the box seat for the title after qualifying on pole position during Saturday’s qualifying session, earning him the title as the sole best qualifier in IndyCar history.
 
Taking out the victory was Alex Palou, while Newgarden managed to finish ahead of Power in the season finale in second place, however it wouldn’t spoil Power’s party as he picked up his second title by 16 points.
  
It’s been a consistent season behind the wheel for the Australian, with a season-high five pole positions, eight podiums, two fastest laps and that sole win in Detroit the main highlights of the year.

“In the off season, my wife told me that I would break Mario’s record and win the championship and it actually gave me confidence. I actually couldn’t believe that came true,” Power said straight after the race.

“I knew I had to get the most out of those stints today. I had to drive the thing today. It was on the edge, very loose.

“But what a relief to get that done. I can’t thank Verizon enough. They have been with me for 12 years now. Without them I wouldn’t have this career. Obviously Roger Penske and the whole team, as well as Chevrolet.

“From the beginning it was just playing the long game this year.”

Motorsport Australia CEO Eugene Arocca praised Power on winning his second career IndyCar crown.
 
“There has been a lot of Australian success overseas in recent times and it’s wonderful to see Will add to that success in IndyCar,” Arocca said.
 
“Will has been a fantastic ambassador for this sport in the United States and he is highly deserving of his second title as he has been at the top of the series for many years.
 
“On behalf of all those at Motorsport Australia, I would like to congratulate Will for winning the series for 2022 and I am sure many Australians are proud of his efforts once again.”

Motorsport Australia President Andrew Fraser was equally proud of his fellow Queenslander’s success.

“A big congratulations to Will for his second title after what has been a consistent season,” Fraser said.

“It’s brilliant to see another Australian take out an international title – especially one so prestigious like IndyCar.

“It’s been a highly successful year for Will who has long been a driver worthy of more silverware so I am very happy for him and his latest achievement.”

It was also a solid day for three-time Supercars Champion Scott McLaughlin, with the Kiwi finishing sixth in the race and securing equal fourth on the outright standings in his second year.