Will Power and Graham Rahal have offered sharply different versions of their final-lap contact at Road America, after Rahal spun out of podium contention and Power finished third in the XPEL Grand Prix.
The flashpoint came at Canada Corner on the last lap of Sunday’s IndyCar race, with Rahal trying to protect third place and Power attacking in the No. 26 Andretti Global Honda. Rahal’s No. 15 RLL Honda ended in the gravel, while Power continued to the flag for his 110th career IndyCar podium.
Rahal was later penalised for blocking and classified 23rd, a costly swing on a day when he had been on course for what would have been his fourth podium of the season, according to IndyCar’s Road America paddock report.
Road America Clash Adds Heat To IndyCar Points Race
Rahal argued he was defending hard because it was the last lap, but said Power still had room to avoid contact. Power countered that he was already at the limit under braking and could not avoid the incident once Rahal moved across.
The clash mattered beyond the podium. Rahal slipped to 12th in the championship, while Power’s result eased pressure after a difficult start to life with Andretti Global.
Alex Palou also emerged from the chaos in stronger shape. Despite a pit-road speeding mistake, the Chip Ganassi Racing driver finished fifth and stretched his championship lead to 60 points over David Malukas, who finished second at Road America.
