Penske planning to run Power in 3rd car in 2010
Officially, Power will drive for Penske Racing while Castroneves and Ryan Briscoe drive for Team Penske. The differentiation is based on Team Penske's contract with Philip Morris through its Marlboro brand.
10/29/09 It's looking like Will Power will be in a third car for Team Penske for all of 2010, IZOD is finalizing plans to be the series sponsor and, after months and miles of exploring and negotiations, it appears the 2010 season will, indeed, open in Brazil.
Power, whose season ended with a broken back in an accident at Sonoma a month after scoring his initial win for Roger Penske at Edmonton, hasn't heard anything definitive on joining Ryan Briscoe and Helio Castroneves full-time.
"But I know Roger and Tim (Cindric) are working hard to make it happen," said the 28-year-old Aussie, who is progressing nicely from his injuries. "I said last year that driving part-time for Team Penske is better than anything else but I really want to run the full season because I think we can win the championship."
Cindric, president of Penske Performance, said on Wednesday that: "nothing was concrete yet but we're planning for three cars."
10/29/09
Penske Racing plans to go with three cars in next season's IndyCar Series. AutoWeek quotes Penske Performance president Tim Cindric as saying Will Power will join regulars Helio Castroneves and Ryan Briscoe next season.
“I'm planning on running three cars full-time, but I don't have the deal done yet," says Cindric.
The team plans to use staff from its Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car program to run the Power entry. Cindric says Penske is not planning a return to the sports car series next season due to a lack of funding.
In other IndyCar news, HVM Racing says it plans to return in 2010 as a two car operation. Robert Doornbos, who joined the team mid-season this year, is set to return while the team is looking at all its options for the second entry after E.J. Viso's contract expired.
"2009 has not been typical of HVM's performance, but everyone is committed to turning things around," said team boss Keith Wiggins. "But I don't think we need to reinvent the wheel. We need to add a few key pieces that will make us more complete and, as a result, return us to being a truly competitive team."
Panther Racing has also confirmed that Dan Wheldon will be back with the team in 2010. Despite a second place finish at the Indianapolis 500, it was a disappointing season for Wheldon, who failed to reach victory lane for the first time in five seasons.
"I'm excited for next season, honestly," said Wheldon following one of the least productive seasons of his racing career.
"My goals are to win races. Obviously we haven't achieved everything we wanted for the season, so for next year I'd like to build on the momentum that we've created this year and make it a winning season."