Will Power’s championship hopes are all but done after experiencing mechanical problems to his car on Lap 38 in Sunday’s Verizon IndyCar Series season-ending GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma.
Power was entering Turn 7 when his car suddenly and dramatically slowed. Among possible causes are a gearbox issue.
Power came into Sunday’s race 44 points behind points leader Simon Pagenaud, who was in the lead when Power suffered his issue.
Power tried to make it around the track to pit road but couldn’t, bringing out a full course caution. Power’s car was ultimately towed to pit road.
To add insult to injury, Power is now tied for second place in points with fellow Team Penske teammate Helio Castroneves. Power has returned to the racetrack and is running seven laps back. If he is unable to make up some key positions, he potentially could finish the season third behind Pagenaud and Castroneves.
Power needed to finish fifth or better to have a chance at the championship, but that now appears a moot point.