Power paces Penske 1-2-3 at Milwaukee hybrid test

Will Power dominates IndyCar test session at Milwaukee, setting the pace ahead of teammates Newgarden and McLaughlin. Hybrid unit impresses.

The 43-year-old Australian driver, fresh off his recent victory at Road America, blazed around the newly repaved one-mile oval at an impressive speed of 161.681mph. This performance mirrored last week's results, where Team Penske dominated the podium with Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin finishing in second and third place, respectively.

Newgarden, a two-time Indianapolis 500 champion, clocked in at 160.759mph while McLaughlin's fastest lap was at 160.639mph. A total of twenty drivers completed 3,563 laps on the new surface, gearing up for the doubleheader event scheduled for August 31st and September 1st as part of the 2024 IndyCar Series season.

The test also saw the return of David Malukas, who recently secured a full-time ride with Meyer Shank Racing after recovering from a wrist injury sustained in a preseason mountain biking accident. Malukas, a 22-year-old American-Lithuanian driver, posted a solid performance at 159.253mph.

Despite minor delays caused by technical issues with the track gates and light rain, the day ran smoothly overall. Newgarden praised the efficiency of the new hybrid power unit, emphasizing its reliability and readiness for race conditions. The system has undergone extensive testing and development, instilling confidence in the drivers as they prepare for the upcoming races.

The return to Milwaukee, a track that has not hosted an IndyCar race since 2015, brought back fond memories for Power, who won there in 2014. The familiar layout of the oval, with its challenging patches that offer opportunities for passing, evoked a sense of nostalgia for the seasoned driver.

IndyCar president Jay Frye commended the successful testing of the hybrid power unit, highlighting the collaborative efforts of Chevrolet, Honda, drivers, and teams. The anticipation for the hybrid era to officially kick off at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course continues to build, signaling a new chapter in the evolution of North America's premier open-wheel championship.

While some teams, including Chip Ganassi Racing and Juncos Hollinger Racing, were absent from the test due to commitments at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, drivers who missed out will have another chance to familiarize themselves with the hybrid system during a later session in the season. Overall, the test at Milwaukee served as a crucial milestone in the ongoing development and preparation for the upcoming races.