Power prevails in IndyCar finale to clinch second title

©IndyCar

Will Power crossed the checkered flag third in Sunday's Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey IndyCar finale, but the result was enough to deliver to the Aussie his second title in the series.

Power was up against his Penske teammate Josef Newgarden, and while the latter finished runner-up to race winner Alex Palou at Laguna Seca, it wasn't enough to outscore Power in the final standings of the championship.

The latter won only one race this season, but a remarkable string of top-five finishes ultimately allowed him to prevail.

©IndyCar

However, it was anything but a conservative Sunday drive in the hills of Monterey for Power who survived fluctuating tyre strategies and his rivals' attacks to get the job done.

"Man, I had to drive the thing today," Power said, basking in the sun in victory lane.

"It was on the edge, very loose. Man, what a relief. What a relief to get that done!"

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.