Picture this: a two-time IndyCar champion, fresh off a storied career on ovals and road courses, diving headfirst into the high-stakes world of sportscar racing. That's the thrilling reality as Will Power gears up for his debut in the Indianapolis 8 Hour – and it's set to captivate fans worldwide! But here's where it gets controversial: is this a bold leap for a veteran driver, or a risky gamble that could redefine his legacy? Stick around to uncover the details that might just change how you view motorsport crossovers.
Will Power, the Australian racing icon whose name is synonymous with IndyCar dominance, is stepping into sportscar territory for the first time at the Indianapolis 8 Hour, scheduled for October 16-18. He'll be piloting a Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the 75 Express team, marking a significant shift from the open-wheel machines he's mastered. For beginners wondering what makes this event special, the Indianapolis 8 Hour is an endurance race held at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway – think 480 minutes of non-stop action where strategy, teamwork, and mechanical reliability are just as crucial as raw speed. It's part of the 2025 Intercontinental GT Challenge, and Power's involvement adds a layer of prestige to this year's finale.
Teaming up with Power in an all-Australian lineup are team owner and driver Kenny Habul, along with Supercars sensation Chaz Mostert. This trio brings a wealth of experience from down under, promising an electrifying dynamic on the track. And this is the part most people miss: Power isn't the first IndyCar champ to make this jump – he's following in the footsteps of Alex Palou, who raced for Lone Star Mercedes in the 2024 edition. Palou's move sparked debates about whether open-wheel stars can seamlessly transition to GT racing, where aerodynamics and tire management play different roles. Could Power prove the doubters wrong, or will the sportscar scene humble him? It's a question that's divided fans, with some arguing that versatility is key in motorsport, while others insist specialization reigns supreme.
For context, check out this related story: Formula 1's Alex Palou is suing McLaren over an alleged misleading F1 deal, with Zak Brown denying the claims (https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/palou-mclaren-court-brown-misleading/10766549/). It highlights the cutthroat business side of racing, which Power knows all too well after his recent team switch.
Power's path to this debut wasn't straightforward. He was slated to make his sportscar bow with Habul’s Sun1Energy team at the 2023 Daytona 24 Hours, but family came first when he withdrew to support his wife, Liz, through post-surgery complications. It's a reminder that even elite athletes prioritize life beyond the track – a humanizing touch that endears him to fans. Despite being a newcomer to sportscars, Power boasts an impressive resume at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he's clinched five victories, including the iconic Indy 500 in 2018. For those new to racing, the Indy 500 is the crown jewel of American motorsport, a 500-mile spectacle that tests drivers' endurance and precision on a massive oval.
Looking ahead, Power is set to join Andretti's IndyCar squad in 2026 (https://www.motorsport.com/indycar/news/will-power-to-replace-colton-herta-at-andretti-in-2026/10755980/), ending a 17-year stint with Penske (https://www.motorsport.com/indycar/news/will-power-and-team-penske-officially-part-ways-after-17-years/10755747/). This move has raised eyebrows – is it a fresh start or a sign of unrest in the IndyCar paddock? He'll lean on Habul and Mostert's expertise to navigate his sportscar initiation. The #75 75 Express Mercedes-AMG GT3 also features Mikael Grenier, Jules Gounon, and Maro Engel, creating a powerhouse roster.
Habul, a Bathurst 12 Hour double winner, is gunning for the IGTC Independent Cup title in Indianapolis, trailing joint leaders Antares Au and Ralf Bohn by just six points. It's a tight race that could hinge on strategy and luck. Mostert, the star of Walkinshaw Andretti United in Supercars with 25 race wins, has also shone in sportscars, securing class victories at the Bathurst 12 Hour and Spa 24 Hours. Their combined pedigree makes this team a contender – but will cultural or driving style clashes emerge in an all-Australian setup? That's a controversial angle: some praise the camaraderie of national lineups, while others argue diversity in international teams fosters innovation.
And speaking of debuts, MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi is also tackling the Indianapolis 8 Hour for the first time, driving the #46 BMW M4 GT3 Evo for WRT. He'll share the car with Kelvin van der Linde and Charles Weerts, his familiar co-drivers. Rossi's crossover from two wheels to four has been polarizing – fans debate if his bike-riding finesse translates to cars, or if it's just a celebrity cameo. For example, some point to his past F1 tests as evidence of potential, while skeptics say the transition is tougher than it looks.
In total, 25 cars will compete in the sixth Indianapolis 8 Hour, with 11 battling for Pro class glory. It's shaping up to be an unforgettable event, blending veterans and newcomers in a test of endurance.
We want your opinion! Do you think Will Power's IndyCar pedigree will give him an edge in sportscars, or is this a step too far? Should MotoGP stars like Rossi stick to bikes, or is cross-discipline racing the future? And what's your take on all-Australian teams – unity or limitation? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we love hearing from you!
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- The Motorsport.com Team
