Will Power is stronger than in his recent memory.
Physically strong, ie. But he is hoping the increased physical strength will translate into increased strength at the racetrack as the 2022 NTT IndyCar Series season coincides with the Firestone Grand Prix in St. Petersburg this Sunday presented by RP Funding (afternoon ET, NBC, Telemundo and live on NBC Radio Network).
2014 NTT IndyCar Series champion Power, who turns 41 on March 1, said he changed his workout routine in the off-season to try to find that extra little one that will elevate him as a championship contender. does. He focused on weight and strength training and said he could feel a difference.
"I think I'm more fit than I was last year," Powers said. "Obviously, the science is changing all the time, and there are new ways, better ways, more efficient ways of doing things. I'm definitely stronger and fitter than ever. I'll say never. I've been too high sometimes I am, but I am there. I am definitely strong, and absolutely fit."
Being more physically fit will help Power present its No. 12 Verizon 5G Team Penske Chevrolet on the road and on the road, especially since the cars don't have power steering. But as it relates to winning his second Astor Challenge Cup, Power looks to get out of the gate this weekend in St. Petersburg, Florida.
And for good reason. In the last three seasons, the winner of the season-opening race has won the NTT INDYCAR SERIES Championship. Joseph Newgarden's 2019 championship run began with a season-opening win in St. Petersburg, while Scott Dixon's 2020 title run began by winning the first race of the year at Texas Motor Speedway. Alex Palu's run for the championship last season began with a win at Barber Motorsports Park.
Power, the winner of the 2018 Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, said he thinks an early win not only helps set the tone for the season, but it allows the driver to play defense rather than offense.
"You're more focused because you're leading the championship, and you're focused on not making mistakes instead of focusing on trying to win," he said. "I think some of the psychology behind it is that you're not trying to back down. You've set great base and bounce, you've got big points and you're trying hard to get back in the game instead of trying." Keep those points well.
Over the years, Power and his team Penske Crew have struggled to open the season strong, which they believe has hindered their championship efforts. By the time he and the No. 12 team found their flaws, they were far behind to score a championship run.
Since his championship year in 2014, the first in a season Power has won his fifth race of the year in 2015, '17 and '18. All three wins were on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. Last year, Power won the 12th race of the season at the World Wide Technology Raceway, his only win of 2021.
Power opened 2021 with second place in Barber and eighth in St Petersburg, before finishing five consecutive races outside the top 10. He eventually finished sixth at Belle Isle-II, but by that time, it was too late.
He doesn't know why he and his team struggled to make the first half of the season consistent and strong. But having caught a glimpse of it in 2021, he hopes the team has the material needed to capitalize on the place where they have historically struggled.
"For whatever reason, we have struggled early in the season," said Power. "I think we had some good results at the beginning of (last year), and then it wasn't that special. But, yeah, really can't (find out why). We've looked at every reason why. Why is it like this.
"I think I have a pretty good crew. I have all the things, all the tools available to get off to a really strong start and have been a contender from the start. I think Chevy has to be on the smooth side of the road." I've got some good things. We'll see. I'm trying my best."
Power is no stranger to such power in St. Petersburg. In addition to his track-record nine poles, he has two victories in 2010 and 2014. Outside Newgarden, Dixon and Palu, only one other driver has won the season-opener and championship in the same year in the past decade: the Lightning in 2014.