Will Power opened up following an emotional win in Wisconsin where he revealed he was considering retirement at times last season, as his wife Liz was fighting a near deadly staph infection.
“You start thinking. When that was going on, you start thinking should I be racing at all. If something happens to Liz and something happens to me, is she going to get better, what’s going to happen.”
“The doctor said this can come back at any time. Should I be racing. That was the thing that was planted in my mind last year.”
Thankfully she was able to recover, and was even there to join her husband in victory lane as he was surrounded by his family, having secured his first win in two years, in what he said was a special moment.
“It was very special. She was in tears. So was her mother. Had Beau [Power’s son] there. Yeah, been a rough trot.”
The win at Road America on Sunday meant Power finally brought an end to his 34 race long winless streak, in the process, bringing himself level with Michael Andretti as the fourth winningest driver in IndyCar history with 42 victories.
“That was the next one I wanted to get. That was the one I’d been wanting for a while. To surpass Michael, big fan of Michael’s as a kid. Watched him win a lot of races.
“The Andretti family, such a big deal, such legends of this sport. Anytime you’re name is around those guys, it’s a big deal. Cool to be equal with Michael.”
With this result, Power has now assumed the championship lead, as he sits five points ahead of reigning champion Alex Palou.
Following a difficult 2023 off the track, the Australian has admitted to feeling back in the flow that led to him picking up a second IndyCar championship back in 2022.
“Yeah, back to that flow again. Except we have to win more this year. It’s a tough field. That’s one thing I was a little cautious in ’22 at times where I felt like I needed to push the envelope a little more. It’s that fine line.”
Power even went as far to say he’s feeling even better than he did in his championship year as a more comfortable off season where he has had ample time to prepare has really boosted his on track ability.
“Yeah, I just came in way more prepared like I normally am. I was just back to how I prepared for a year, which is constantly improving on my craft.
“I have to say I’m a better driver again this year than I was in ’22 when I won the championship. Last year was sort of a stall-out here. Not much I could do. Spending a lot of time at home, looking after Liz, making sure everything was going well for her.
“Back to Liz helping me, like she is a big part of my preparation. She does a lot for me. We’re back as a team again.”
