Will Power Claims Victory at BitNile.com Grand Prix of Portland as Alex Palou Secures 2025 IndyCar Championship
Team Penske’s veteran driver Will Power delivered a commanding performance to win the BitNile.com Grand Prix of Portland, reinforcing his reputation as one of IndyCar’s most consistent and skilled racers. Power led 78 of the 110 laps in a race marked by intense strategy and fierce competition, holding off a determined challenge from Arrow McLaren’s Christian Lundgaard and championship leader Alex Palou.
Starting from third on the grid, Power executed a perfectly balanced race strategy, managing tire wear and pacing his efforts to maintain a strong lead. Despite a late-race fightback from Lundgaard and Palou, Power’s experience and tactical prowess kept him ahead, crossing the line 1.5 seconds clear of Lundgaard and just under 2.5 seconds in front of Palou.
For Power, this victory came at a crucial time in his career — it was his first win in a year and his second consecutive victory at Portland, underscoring his affinity for the challenging circuit. Speaking after the race, Power acknowledged the team’s resilience through a tough season marked by reliability issues and expressed pride in bouncing back with a hard-fought win for Penske.
Meanwhile, Alex Palou’s third-place finish was enough to officially clinch his fourth IndyCar Series championship, once again heightening his status among the sport’s elite. Palou entered the race with a commanding points lead and, despite challenges on track including close battles with Lundgaard, he maintained the consistency required to seal the title with two races remaining in the season.
Palou’s 2025 season has been a masterclass in dominance and adaptability, recording eight wins including a landmark Indianapolis 500 victory. At just 28, this championship marks his third consecutive and fourth overall, placing him third on IndyCar's all-time championship list behind legends like A.J. Foyt and Scott Dixon.
The Portland race highlighted the ongoing rivalry and competitive spirit among the leading drivers. Christian Lundgaard’s strong second place demonstrated Arrow McLaren’s growing competitiveness, while Palou’s aggressive yet measured approach reinforced his championship-winning credentials.
As the season heads towards its final rounds, the momentum from Portland sets up an intriguing climax, with Palou chasing records and Power and other contenders eager to add to their win tallies.
This race not only celebrated Power’s return to the top step of the podium but also marked the consolidation of Palou’s reign as the premier IndyCar driver of his generation — a fitting narrative in a season packed with speed, strategy, and high stakes.
