Fourth Place Battle Results in Crash for Will Power at Mid-Ohio

By Luis Torres, Staff Writer

Will Power’s miserable season continued during Sunday’s Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio. While battling Scott Dixon for fourth on the Lap 4 restart, contact was made entering Turn 5. It sent Power into a spin, right in front of oncoming traffic.

Several drivers were able to avoid the plum of smoke, including Sebastien Bourdais. The same can’t be said for Ed Jones, who crashed into Power.

Such collision destroyed Jones’ left front suspension, symbolizing another retirement. Power’s day was also over as this incident ended any hope of being a true championship contender.

As for the finishing order, Power and Jones will be credited with finishes of 25th and 26th. It’s Jones’ first last-place result since this very track in 2017.

During the NBC telecast, they showed Power having medical wraps around his right wrist. Power said he’s fine but explained that he left his hands on the steering wheel.

“Super disappointed to be out early,” said Power. “Scott squeezed me down so much and had nowhere to go. I slowed down up a lot to make sure I wouldn’t hit him. He squeezed me that tight, it was impossible. Like, I was on the curb. It sucks.”

Power added that he should’ve known better that Dixon would drive aggressive because of the tire compounds between them. Power started with the black primary Firestone tires to Dixon’s red alternate.

The tentative plan is Power’s No. 12 Team Penske crew on getting the car back to avoid a DNF. However, he noted he was sore and felt it may not be worth returning on track.

“If we got no chance to get points, it’s probably not worth doing it. Aggravating (the right wrist) a bit more,” Power explained. It’s what you get when you choose blacks. People are going to attack you pretty hard. If I could’ve maintain position. I think we could’ve had a pretty good race, but it’s unfortunate.”

Dixon went onto finish fourth and said the ordeal with Power was a racing incident. However, Dixon was reminded about last year when Power ran him off the track.

“We had to get pass Will. Had no point to take anyone out. We were pushing hard,” said Dixon. “I didn’t do anything on purpose. Sorry for his day not turning out”