After winning the NTT IndyCar Series for the second time in his career, Will Power has been nominated for Courier-Mail Channel Seven Queensland Sport Star of the Year.
The Toowoomba born driver was one of 15 athletes from a range of sports to be shortlisted for the award, which forms part of the annual Queensland Sport Awards that celebrate the achievements of athletes, coaches, officials, administrators and organisations.
A veteran of the popular US based series, the 41-year-old bounced back from a difficult campaign last year, where he finished ninth, to claim his first title since 2014.
Power’s efforts in 2022 saw him net nine podiums, including a memorable race win in Detroit, two fastest laps, the most laps led on two occasions and five pole positions – the most of any driver this year.
The Queenslander’s qualifying form this year also saw him become the greatest qualifier in IndyCar history after securing his 68th pole position at the Grand Prix of Monterey in September, surpassing previous record holder and series icon, Mario Andretti.
Power’s second career title in IndyCar also made him just the fifth driver in history to win it multiple times, joining Team Penske teammate and 2022 title rival Josef Newgarden on two.
One of two motorsport representatives to be nominated for the award alongside Motorcycling star Jett Lawrence, Power joins an impressive list of notable athletes from other sport include Cameron Smith (Golf) Usman Khawaja (Cricket), Ash Barty (Tennis) and Olympic Gold Medallist Mollie O’Callaghan (Swimming)
With a bigger shortlist of nominees making the Queensland talent pool, QSport CEO Peter Cummiskey was pleased with the individuals nominated.
“It is not unusual for Queensland’s top athletes to outnumber other States’ on performance and not just in Olympic years. This non-Olympic year is no exception,” Cummiskey said.
“With a limit of two per sport this year and with an eye on gender balance, the 15 contenders arguably are all worthy of consideration.
“It’s in keeping with the core aim of the overall Sport Awards program of promoting and recognising our top achievers to the broader Queensland community, on and off the field of play and particularly to our youth.”
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The Queensland Sport Awards take place at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre at 6pm AEST on Thursday, 24 November.
Courier-Mail Channel Seven Queensland Sport Star of the Year Nominees
Will Power - Motor Racing
Kelsey-Lee Barber - Athletics
Ash Barty - Tennis
Emily Bates - AFL
Gretel Bueta - Netball
Pat Carrigan - Rugby League
Jacinta Carroll - Water Skiing
Boyd Exell - Equestrian
Stephanie Gilmore - Surfing
Jess Jonassen - Cricket
Usman Khawaja - Cricket
Jett Lawrence - Motorcycling
Mollie O'Callaghan - Swimming
Cameron Smith - Golf
Zac Stubblety-Cook - Swimming