Every year Will Power spends in the United States racing the IndyCar series the American twang in his Australian accent strengthens.
But the particularly Australian phrase ‘no worries mate’ applies as he prepares to begin his series title defence at this weekend’s season-opening race in St Petersburg, Florida.
Driven by the agony of three runners-up finishes in past championships, Power was a ball of tension in 2014 before finally securing the historic IndyCar title he craved.
The emotional release that came with being the first Australian to lift the Astor Cup last August hasn’t lessened the 34-year-old’s desire but it has probably made him a litle calmer.
“It’s just made the off-season so good for me,” Power told AAP.
“It’s almost like it was better for me to have finished second three times, it’s just such a great feeling to win a championship.
“I want to keep that. I want to do that again, but obviously I’ll never forget that first one.
“To finally get it done and to get it done in a year where, I would say, it was the most competitive in IndyCar history.
“Honestly, I probably am more relaxed. I don’t have any of that doubt in my mind. I know I can do it.”
Power’s self belief will be boosted by the location of the season-opening event.
The Australian, a four-time pole position winner in St Petersburg, is a two-time race winner at the street circuit, including a victory last year which set up his campaign.
With manufacturers Honda and Chevrolet both running different body kits for this year’s title race, Power is confident the Chevrolets, including his Team Penske racer, have the edge.
His biggest concern will be overcoming his teammates.
Penske are running four cars in this year’s IndyCar series, with France’s Simon Pagenaud joining Power, former Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves and ex-Formula One driver Juan Pablo Montoya.
“It’s a great situation for the team and those guys are probably going to be the competition for the championship,” Power said.
“They’re in the same equipment. It’s just one of those balancing acts.
“We’re all about team harmony and getting along but at the end of the day when I go out on track we’re racing to win.”
The 198-mile Grand Prix of St Petersburg starts at 3pm local time on Sunday (0600 Monday AEDT).
POWER’S SAINTLY ST PETE RECORD
* Power has won the Grand Prix of St Petersburg twice in 2010 and 2014
* He won pole position from 2010-13
* Power’s Team Penske outfit has secured pole at five of the past eight St Petersburg races
* Teammate Helio Castroneves holds the record for most wins at the venue with three (2006, 07, 12)
* Team Penske has six wins from 11 starts at the venue
