On September 10, 2022, Will Power, driver for Team Penske, made history by setting a new IndyCar pole record at Laguna Seca Raceway. He secured his 68th career pole position, surpassing the mark held for decades by IndyCar legend Mario Andretti. This achievement marked a milestone in Power’s career and underscored his status as one of the sport’s greatest qualifiers.

Mario Andretti, a four-time IndyCar champion, was present to witness the momentous occasion. After qualifying, Andretti personally congratulated Power, making the moment particularly meaningful. Roger Penske, owner of Team Penske and IndyCar, also celebrated as one of the few to see this significant milestone unfold live.

“I tell you, to see Mario Andretti walk up the pits and shake his hand, that’s something I’ll remember,” Penske said via ESPN.

Will Power’s Focus Remained on the Championship Despite Pole Record

Despite breaking the pole record, Power remained focused on the championship battle. He had earned five poles during the 2022 season, including a sweep at the Iowa double-header, but kept his attention on the season finale where the title was still undecided. His championship rivals, including teammate Josef Newgarden and Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon, were pressing hard.

Power admitted he had barely registered the milestone until teammates Mario Andretti and Scott McLaughlin pointed it out to him. Still, he chose not to dwell on the achievement because saving energy for the final race was crucial.

“Didn’t even occur to me until they told me. I can’t celebrate so much because I’ve got to be ready for [the finale],” the New Zealand driver said.

“At such a crucial point, I couldn’t celebrate it very much and I don’t want to give out too much energy because I need to save it. When you have those sort of figures there congratulating you, you are sort of pinching yourself,” Power said.

Final Race Performance Secured Will Power’s Second IndyCar Championship

During the Laguna Seca race, Power finished in third position, narrowly behind teammate Josef Newgarden, who had already claimed two championship titles. Despite not winning the race, Power’s point lead allowed him to clinch the 2022 IndyCar championship comfortably by 16 points. This marked Will Power’s second IndyCar title, cementing his legacy alongside the sport’s elite.

Power First Matched Mario Andretti’s Pole Record at the 2022 Bommarito Automotive Group 500

Before breaking the record at Laguna Seca, Power had tied Mario Andretti’s 67 pole positions during the 2022 Bommarito Automotive Group 500 weekend. His qualifying performance featured an impressive two-lap average speed of 182.727 mph, surpassing Marcus Ericsson’s 182.070 mph and marking a significant achievement in his career.

Reflecting on equaling Andretti, Power expressed awe at joining the legendary driver at the top of the pole position leaderboard.

“It’s just amazing. Amazing year so far. This is a big victory for me, to reach the 67 number and equal such a legend of the sport in Mario Andretti. I just can’t believe that I’m right there with Mario because there’s been no one like him.”

Extending the Record but Challenged by Season Setbacks

Will Power continued to extend his pole record, securing his 71st career pole position at the 2025 Bommarito Automotive Group 500. Despite this success in qualifying, a tire failure early in that race prevented him from contending for his first race win of the season. Nevertheless, Power’s achievements in pole positions highlight his exceptional speed and consistency in qualifying sessions.

The Impact of Will Power’s Record-Breaking Moment

Will Power’s breaking of Mario Andretti’s pole record represents a significant chapter in IndyCar history, showcasing his exceptional talent and consistency over many seasons. The warm exchange with Andretti and Roger Penske’s visible pride highlight the sport’s respect for legacy and achievement. As Power continues to compete at a high level, his record-breaking accomplishments energize the IndyCar community and solidify his standing among the sport’s all-time greats.