When Will Power left school at just 15 years old to drive forklifts in a warehouse, he never thought he’d one day be one of world motorsport’s most respected drivers.
Fresh off winning his second IndyCar Series crown, Team Penske has re-signed Power on a multi-year deal.
It continues a stretch with the team dating back to 2009 when Power made his debut for the team in St Petersburg, where he finished sixth.
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It’s an incredible achievement for the Toowoomba-born terror, who at 42 years old is still as competitive as ever and has shown age is no obstacle.
Power recently spoke about not knowing what he would do if he wasn’t racing and indicated retirement wasn’t something he had even considered.
He said the thought of life outside of racing was a scary one, which he hasn’t had to live since he was a teenager.
“I had a real job, so I know the other side,” said Power.
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“I actually worked. I left school when I was 15. I started working, I was working in a warehouse, started driving forklifts and picking orders in a confectionary warehouse and then I did an apprenticeship for four years as a canvas goods manufacturer.
“I do understand the other side, and the other side isn’t that bad, it’s actually pretty good, but this is amazing. That’s why I’m so lucky.
“No matter what happens on race days as far as where you finish, man, to do this and get paid – amazing.”
News of Power’s contract extension came out of the blue, especially given Team Penske typically reserves driver signing announcements until the end of the season.
IndyCar’s most successful qualifier – with 68 in the bag – said it’s an honour to continue racing with one of the sport’s best.
“I always look back, and I say it often, I am very fortunate because it’s where you want to be as a driver in a team where you’re given a car week in, week out,” said Power.
“I’m very, very fortunate in that respect.”
Most importantly, it gives Power piece of mind that his future in IndyCar is safe.
It contrasts his early years of racing when he juggled drives and short-term contracts that left him constantly fighting for his right to drive.
“It blows my mind if I look back on it,” he said.
“Certainly, in those early days, you were wondering at Christmas what you’re doing the next year.
“It’s a real privilege to have that, know that you’re going to get signed for multiple years and be in a consistent situation with the same crew, same engineer for multiple years.
“They’re the things that create you a situation to win championships. I’m lucky for that.”
Power will be back in action at Texas Motors Speedway on Monday when the IndyCar Series takes in round two.
He will start the 250-lap race from eighth on the grid while teammates Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin will start fourth and 15th respectively.
McLaren’s Felix Rosenqvist starts from pole position alongside Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon.
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