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This is a move that we’ve all been expecting ever since Long Beach last April. The acquittal of Helio and his return to IndyCar racing was celebrated by all (ok, almost all), and collectively we were happy to have him back. At the same, though, we were sad for Will Power who has shown himself to be an amazing driver over the past few seasons, and especially this season. What is even more impressive, and what will keep Will in a competitive seat for the remainder of his career is his good instincts and business sense when it comes to the business of racing. Sure he, like anyone, would like to have been racing each and every weekend, and I’m sure that he could have found a team willing to put him in a car. Will had the good sense to know that even a part-time gig at Penske is better than a full-time gig any where else. After all, this is exactly how Rick Mears started his legendary career, and he’s STILL working for Team Penske!This week, Will’s loyalty to The Captain has paid off. Autoweek is reporting that Will Power will be in a full-time seat for the 2010 season. It won’t be with Team Penske, however. The team’s contract with their primary sponsor, Phillip-Morris, demands two and only two cars be fielded by Team Penske. Instead, Power will be driving for Penske Racing and his crew will be assembled from the recently disbanded Penske Grand Am team. This is the same team that worked on Will’s car and in his pitbox during his post-St. Pete races this year including his dominant victory at Edmonton. We’ll find out who the sponsor of the car is on Thursday, but don’t be surprised if they announce that he’ll be driving the #12 car sponsored by Verizon.
UPDATE: 11.19.2009
Its official as of this morning.
MOORESVILLE, N.C. (November 19, 2009) – Penske Racing announced today that winning open-wheel racer Will Power will compete in a full-season entry for the team in the 2010 IZOD IndyCar Series, driving the No. 12 Verizon Wireless Dallara/Honda.
Joining forces with Team Penske teammates Helio Castroneves, a three-time Indianapolis 500 winner, and Ryan Briscoe, a top contender for the 2009 IndyCar Series championship, Power will complete a powerful three-car lineup in 2010 for Penske Racing.
Today’s announcement is a key element of a multi-year program between Penske Racing and Verizon Wireless that began in 2009. The 2010 Verizon Championship Racing platform will include the IndyCar Series with Power, Castroneves and Briscoe and NASCAR competition with Brad Keselowski and Justin Allgaier.
Tweet of the Day: @GrahamRahal: As if 2 Penske cars wasn’t hard enough to beat, now there’s a third! Very happy for Will though, he’s a great guy and will do very well.
That Verizon livery was sexy last season. Hope they keep it for 2010.