2018 Indianapolis 500 champion Will Power has retired from the Kohler Grand Prix at Road America with blown right side header.
The #12 Team Penske Chevrolet started alongside teammate Josef Newgarden on the front row. Immediately at the fall of the green flag, it was apparent that there was an issue with Power as he failed to get up to pace at the start. By Turn 2, he had fallen from the front row to the back of the pack.
An attempt to return to the track resulted in a further failure regarding the car’s exhaust. Power remains unsure of the full extent of the damage.
“They replaced the exhaust and it just blew straight back out,” he explained to the NBCSN broadcast crew. “It’s so hard to tell. I don’t think it’s an exhaust problem, it’s something in the engine. Who knows. I couldn’t even comment on what it may be.”
Retiring from the race without completing a lap on track, the failure is a reminder of the significant highs and lows of motorsport. However, the incident has not shaken Power’s drive and confidence.
“It is amazing how quickly it swings, but that means it can swing back the other way,” he said. “We’ve still got plenty of races. Head down, and keep working at it. We can definitely win the championship from here.”
