Will Power’s hopes of picking up a second Verizon IndyCar Series title in 2016 took a major hit after a clash with Charlie Kimball saw him crash out of Sunday’s INDYCAR Grand Prix at The Glen presented by Hitachi.
After missing the first race of the season through illness, Power has spent 2016 trying to claw his way back into title contention - something he achieved with a string of podiums and wins through the middle part of the year.
Power entered Sunday’s race at Watkins Glen trailing Penske teammate Simon Pagenaud by 28 points at the top of the drivers’ championship, and had a golden opportunity to cut the gap after qualifying second on Saturday.
Power retained P2 through the early part of the race ahead of Pagenaud, who ran as high as third before both dropped down the pack after being forced to pit under a full course yellow.
While Pagenaud was able to move ahead, Power struggled for pace in the middle of the pack, leading to a clash with Charlie Kimball.
As Kimball got a run on Power and tried to move to the outside at the esses, the Australian drifted across, causing the two to collide and sending the Penske no. 12 car into the wall.
Power’s race was ended on the spot, meaning he will be classified in 20th position and will take just 10 points home from Watkins Glen. Pagenaud, meanwhile, has worked his way into the top 10, meaning his championship lead will swell considerably ahead of the double points finale at Sonoma on September 18.
UPDATE - POWER NOT CLEARED DUE TO CONCUSSION-LIKE SYMPTOMS
INDYCAR officials confirmed soon after the clash that Power has been checked and released but not cleared owing to concussion-like symptoms.
Power has been checked and released, but has NOT been cleared to drive owing to concussion like symptoms.
— INDYCAR on NBC (@IndyCaronNBC) September 4, 2016