Sawt Falasteen - Aussie IndyCar racer Power splits with Penske after 17 years

The 44-year-old Australian driver gained 42 of his 45 IndyCar race triumphs with Penske, the most recent last month at Portland, Oregon.

"After much consideration, I felt like a change for me was the right move at this time," Power said in a statement.

The Aussie finished ninth in this year's season points standings, matching his worst showing since his first campaign with Penske in 2009.

Power, who set an IndyCar record with 71 career pole positions, captured his season crowns in 2014, when he won three times and had seven podium finishes, and 2022, when his only win came at Detroit but he managed 12 top-four showings.

His lone Indy 500 victory came in 2018 and his only other podium result in 18 Indy 500 starts was a runner-up effort in 2015.

"It has been the honor of my life to drive for Roger and the Penske organization," Power said. "We've accomplished so much together and I will always be grateful for my time with the team and my teammates who have supported me along the way."

Penske said that as discussions began on the future, Power indicated he wanted to move on.

"As we sat down to talk about our future together, Will felt that it was time for him to make a change beginning with next season," Penske said.

"He has been an outstanding driver and teammate for our organization. His results speak for themselves, and we wish him the very best in the next phase of his career."

M.AbuKhalil--SF-PST