Will Power’s Exciting Entry into Sportscar Racing at the Indianapolis 8 Hour

Will Power, a renowned two-time IndyCar champion, is set to embark on an exciting new chapter in his racing career by making his debut in sportscar racing at the prestigious Indianapolis 8 Hour event. This highly anticipated race is scheduled to take place from October 16 to October 18, 2025. Power will be behind the wheel of a formidable Mercedes-AMG GT3, representing the 75 Express team.

Team Composition and Goals

Competing alongside Power will be Kenny Habul, the owner of 75 Express and an accomplished driver in his own right, as well as Chaz Mostert, a prominent figure in Supercars racing. This all-Australian trio will aim to make their mark in the final round of the 2025 Intercontinental GT Challenge. With Power’s impressive track record on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, his participation adds significant excitement to the event.

This year marks an important moment in motorsport history, as Power becomes the second IndyCar champion in consecutive years to participate in the Indianapolis endurance race. Last year, Alex Palou, another standout driver from Chip Ganassi Racing, joined the Lone Star Mercedes team, setting a precedent for IndyCar champions to explore the world of sportscar racing.

A Delayed Debut

Power’s journey into sportscar racing was initially set to begin at the Daytona 24 Hours in 2023. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, he had to withdraw from that event. His wife, Liz, experienced complications following surgery, prompting Power to prioritize his family during that critical time. As a result, his upcoming participation in the Indianapolis 8 Hour will be his first taste of competitive sportscar racing.

Despite being a novice in the sportscar realm, Power is no stranger to success at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Throughout his illustrious career, he has claimed victory at the iconic oval on five separate occasions, with one of the highlights being his triumph at the Indy 500 in 2018. This wealth of experience will undoubtedly serve him well as he transitions into this new racing discipline.

Strength in Experience

While Power may be new to sportscars, he will benefit from the collective expertise of his teammates, Habul and Mostert. Habul boasts an impressive resume, having secured two victories at the Bathurst 12 Hour, and is now focused on clinching the IGTC Independent Cup title during the Indianapolis 8 Hour. Currently, he sits just six points behind the joint championship leaders, Antares Au and Ralf Bohn.

Mostert, on the other hand, is well-known for his role as the lead driver for Walkinshaw Andretti United in the Supercars series, where he has achieved an impressive tally of 25 race wins. His sportscar experience includes notable class victories at esteemed events such as the Bathurst 12 Hour and the Spa 24 Hours. The combination of Power’s IndyCar prowess, Habul’s endurance racing experience, and Mostert’s Supercars success creates a formidable lineup poised for a strong performance.

Valentino Rossi Joins the Lineup

The excitement surrounding the Indianapolis 8 Hour is further amplified by the participation of MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi. Rossi will be taking on this challenge for the first time, driving the #46 BMW M4 GT3 Evo for WRT. He will be joined by familiar teammates Kelvin van der Linde and Charles Weerts, making this an intriguing prospect for motorsport fans.

The inclusion of such high-profile drivers in the Indianapolis 8 Hour showcases the event’s growing reputation as a premier endurance race, attracting talent from various motorsport disciplines. A total of 25 cars are set to compete in this year’s edition, with 11 of those vying for overall victory in the Pro class.

The Indianapolis 8 Hour: A Premier Endurance Race

The Indianapolis 8 Hour has quickly established itself as a key fixture in the motorsport calendar, drawing attention from fans and competitors alike. The event combines the thrill of endurance racing with the iconic backdrop of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, creating an atmosphere that is both exhilarating and challenging for drivers.

As teams prepare for the race, they must consider various factors, including tire strategy, fuel management, and driver rotations. The endurance nature of the race means that every decision made in the garage can have a significant impact on the outcome. The inclusion of top-tier talent like Power and Rossi only heightens the stakes, making for an exciting competition.

Conclusion

Will Power’s entry into sportscar racing at the Indianapolis 8 Hour represents a significant moment in his career and for the event itself. With an impressive team and a wealth of experience on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Power is poised to make a substantial impact in this new racing discipline. The event promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent, strategy, and endurance, making it a must-watch for motorsport enthusiasts around the world.