INDYCAR Silly Season Hinges On Will Power’s Status At Penske

NTT INDYCAR SERIES: INDYCAR Silly Season Hinges on Will Power’s Status at Penske

Published Aug. 4, 2025, 9:29 a.m. ET

By Bob Pockrass, FOX Motorsports Insider

Will Power continues to be the top performer among Team Penske drivers in the standings. However, he is also the only Team Penske driver without a contract for the upcoming season. In many ways, Power is a pivotal figure in the INDYCAR silly season, even though it feels like he’s stuck in neutral, preventing any traffic from moving forward.

The 44-year-old veteran, who boasts 44 victories (fourth all-time) and 71 poles (first all-time), had hoped to secure a new deal before this season began. Negotiations were postponed until June, and further delays occurred due to changes in the leadership at Penske.

This season has been frustrating for Power, currently sitting in ninth place in the standings, which has been affected by two races marred by engine failures and another one due to a blown tire during the summer stretch. “It’s very typical of life that a bad year would play out when you’re trying to get a contract,” Power remarked during the Toronto weekend. “But I love it here. I do. I really hope I’m back next year.” Team owner Roger Penske mentioned in May: “His contract is up. He’s done a great job for us. We’re just looking at our options, and I’m sure he will, too. But at the moment, we feel confident that he will be back.”

Whether that confidence has changed remains uncertain, but Power’s unsigned status raises questions. After winning three races in 2024, Power expected a contract offer, but it has yet to materialize. The length of the proposed deal (is Penske willing to offer more than a one-year contract?) and what Power desires remain to be seen.

If Power does not sign, the next question is who would fill his seat. David Malukas, currently driving for Penske’s alliance team A.J. Foyt Racing, is often mentioned as the most likely replacement obiena. Malukas stands at 10th in the season standings. Should Malukas take Power’s place, Power could land a spot at Foyt, which has demonstrated notable strength this year. If he chooses to go elsewhere, it would mean displacing another driver, assuming Malukas is the successor at Penske.

Rinus VeeKay is another driver frequently discussed in regards to moving to a more competitive team. He finished second at Toronto and is currently 11th in the standings for Dale Coyne Racing, despite joining the team only a few weeks before the season began. “There’s been some chatter around but nothing that keeps my focus from racing,” VeeKay said during the race weekend at Laguna Seca. “It’s a waiting game. That’s all the future. I want to be in the present right now.”

Now, let’s take a look at the current status of the INDYCAR silly season:

Teams Likely to Retain Their Drivers for Next Year:

1. Chip Ganassi Racing: Alex Palou (first), Scott Dixon (third), and Kyffin Simpson (16th). cignal play store Dixon’s age may raise questions, but he continues to enjoy racing. Simpson has shown promise this year after finishing 21st last season.
2. Arrow McLaren Racing: Pato O’Ward (second), Christian Lundgaard (fifth), and Nolan Siegel (21st) uaap meaning in basketball. O’Ward and Lundgaard have combined for 11 podium finishes this year while Siegel has shown continued improvement.
3. Meyer Shank Racing: Felix Rosenqvist (sixth) and Marcus Armstrong (eighth). In their first year of the Ganassi alliance, both drivers have demonstrated strong potential and are unlikely to leave.
4. Ed Carpenter Racing: Christian Rasmussen (14th) and Alexander Rossi (18th). Both have multi-year contracts and are expected to stay. Rasmussen is having his best season yet, while Rossi just joined this season.
5. Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing: Graham Rahal (19th), Louis Foster (22nd), and Devlin DeFrancesco (26th). Foster and DeFrancesco have multi-year contracts with the team.
6. Andretti Global: Kyle Kirkwood (fourth), Colton Herta (seventh), and Marcus Ericsson (20th). The only uncertainty lies with Ericsson, who has had an unexpectedly tough season after finishing second in the Indy 500 before a technical disqualification. Dennis Hauger’s five wins in the Indy NXT Series make him a strong candidate for a full-time INDYCAR seat.

Teams with Potential Driver Changes:

1. Team Penske: If Power (ninth) does not return, Scott McLaughlin (12th) and Josef Newgarden (15th) are contracted and anticipated to be back in 2026.
2. A.J. Foyt Racing: Santino Ferrucci (13th) is confirmed, but an opening could arise if Malukas takes Power’s seat. Could the team look to Myles Rowe, especially if they continue their Penske relationship?
3. Dale Coyne Racing: They would like to retain VeeKay (11th), but it remains uncertain if they can hold onto him. Jacob Abel (27th) has had a challenging rookie season, but if he secures funding, he should be given another chance. pole vaulter world ranking
4. Juncos Hollinger Racing: Featuring Conor Daly (17th) and Sting Ray Robb (25th). Daly is facing funding challenges, which may impact his future. Robb has sufficient funding and has had three top-20 finishes in the last five races.
5. Prema Racing: They currently have Robert Shwartzman (23rd) and Callum Ilott (24th) in their debut season. Ilott appears set to return, while Shwartzman, who secured the pole for the Indianapolis 500, might stay unless a European team offers him a path to Formula 1.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming INDYCAR silly season? palarong pambansa 2024 schedule Who do you think will make the biggest moves?