Will Power has moved through the field to finish eighth in a frantic Detroit Indy Grand Prix at the Belle Isle street circuit in Detroit, Michigan.
Power, who started 12th due to a crash in qualifying yesterday, showed strong speed in the #8 Aussie Vineyards – Team Australia car around the 3.776km/2.346 mile street circuit to improve as the race progressed.
The Australian driver passed Danica Patrick to take 11th place on lap 15 on the tight and twisting layout, known as a tough layout for passing.
Power was up to seventh during the middle stages of the race, as fast lap times on a clear track and a fast pit stop from the Aussie Vineyards crew both paid dividends.
Power was then delayed when he clipped the rear of Ryan Hunter-Reay’s car as he tried to pass the American for sixth position.
The clash broke the left side of the front wing on Power’s car, but the 27-year-old persevered for a further two laps before pitting for repairs, ensuring he would have enough fuel to make this stop his final for the day.
The slow laps with the broken wing dropped Power down the order to 12th, but the driver from Toowoomba, Queensland was able to display his street circuit prowess and move past cars up to eighth position, one place ahead of fellow Australian Ryan Briscoe.
Justin Wilson won the Detroit Indy Grand Prix today ahead of Helio Castroneves and Tony Kanaan.
Power and the Aussie Vineyards crew will be back in action for the final points scoring race of the season next weekend for the Peak Antifreeze Indy 300 at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois.
Will Power: #8 Aussie Vineyards - Team Australia Honda/Dallara/Firestone
“I think the Aussie Vineyards–Team Australia crew did a great job today,” said Power.
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