Will Power to be given keys to the city of Toowoomba

Will Power

Will Power has the need for speed and is about to get the keys to our city.

The IndyCar champion will be awarded the keys to Toowoomba after a special meeting of Toowoomba Regional Council tomorrow.

Mayor Paul Antonio said Power, who in 2014 became the first Australian to claim the IndyCar title, was a worthy recipient.

"He's a great ambassador for the city," Cr Antonio said.

"Not only is he at a world level in his profession, he's a very humble person that hasn't forgotten his roots in Toowoomba."

Power said receiving the keys to Toowoomba would be a significant honor.

"I'm really proud to be from Toowoomba," he said.

"This area is where it all started for me and has played a big part in my career.

"To be offered the keys to the city means a lot to me."

Power's brother Damien Power said growing up and going to school in Toowoomba had shaped the family.

"The place where you grow up is part of who you are," he said.

"He's (Will) not the sort of guy that has let stardom and success go to his head."

Mr. Power said his brother lived up to his name "will-power" in that he was highly driven for success.

The keys to Toowoomba don't actually open any locks but are a symbolic recognition of achievement.

The granting of keys is a traditional presentation which represents the highest honor a council can give an individual or group.

Council announced that Power would be given the keys in September last year after the driver won the 2014 IndyCar championship.

"The gift of the city's key doesn't get given out often and is a very special honor," Cr Antonio said. The Chronicle