Will Power Goes From 12th To 1st To Keep Penske Perfect

LONG BEACH, Calif. (AP) – Will Power has kept Penske Racing perfect this season by picking his way through the field to win at Long Beach.

Power won for the second consecutive IndyCar race even though a penalty levied against Chevrolet forced him to start 12th in the field. Chevy’s decision to change the engine for all 11 of its teams drew penalties of 10 starting spots for each driver.

So Power had to weave his way through traffic all day, then hold off Simon Pagenaud to preserve the win.

The Australian won at Barber two weeks ago by driving from ninth to first. Penske has won all three races this season, as Helio Castroneves won the opener.

Pagenaud finished second for his first career podium. A penalty against Ryan Hunter-Reay gave James Hinchcliffe third.