In a rare and candid moment, IndyCar CEO Mark Miles has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding Will Power’s departure from Team Penske, a saga that has sent shockwaves through the IndyCar community and sparked an unprecedented outcry from fans. The two-time IndyCar champion’s exit, after a 17-year tenure with the legendary team, has been marred by allegations of contract mishandling, casting a shadow over the series and raising questions about its leadership and integrity. Miles’ decision to speak out comes as the sport grapples with declining viewership, internal scandals, and growing discontent among its fanbase.
The controversy began when Will Power, one of IndyCar’s most decorated drivers, revealed details of a miscommunication within Team Penske regarding his contract. Power, who won the 2018 Indianapolis 500 and secured series championships in 2014 and 2022, disclosed on the Off Track with Hinch and Rossi podcast that former Team Penske president Tim Cindric had promised to discuss a contract extension at the end of the 2024 season. However, Power claimed that no such discussions took place, leaving him frustrated and uncertain about his future. This lack of communication culminated in Power’s decision to part ways with Penske, announced on September 2, 2025, just days after the season finale in Nashville. The Australian driver has since signed with Andretti Global for the 2026 season, filling the vacancy left by Colton Herta’s move to Formula 1.
Miles, speaking to the media, acknowledged the gravity of the situation, describing it as a “disappointing chapter” for IndyCar. He emphasized that the series values transparency and fairness, but admitted that the handling of Power’s contract was a misstep that fueled fan backlash. “Will Power is a cornerstone of IndyCar, and his contributions to the sport are undeniable,” Miles said. “The breakdown in communication at Team Penske was unfortunate and has understandably upset fans who see Will as a symbol of consistency and excellence.” Miles’ comments mark the first time IndyCar’s leadership has directly addressed the controversy, which has dominated discussions on platforms like Reddit, where fans have expressed outrage over what they perceive as Penske’s mistreatment of a loyal driver.
The fallout from Power’s exit has been compounded by Team Penske’s tumultuous 2025 season, which was already mired in controversy. Earlier in the year, the team faced penalties during Indianapolis 500 qualifying when illegal modifications were discovered on the cars of Power and teammate Josef Newgarden. The incident led to the dismissal of key executives, including Cindric, and further eroded trust in the team’s leadership. Fans have pointed to these events as evidence of deeper organizational issues within Penske, which also owns the IndyCar Series and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The perception that Penske, as both a team and series owner, mishandled Power’s contract has only intensified calls for greater accountability.
Miles has sought to address these concerns by outlining steps to restore confidence in the series. He highlighted recent initiatives, such as the landmark broadcast deal with Fox, which will see all 17 races in 2025 aired live on free-to-air television, a move expected to boost viewership by over 30 percent. However, he acknowledged that off-track controversies, including Power’s departure, have overshadowed these efforts. “We’re working to ensure that IndyCar remains a sport where talent and loyalty are rewarded,” Miles stated. “We’ve heard the fans, and we’re committed to addressing their concerns.”
The fan reaction has been particularly vocal on social media, with many expressing frustration over what they see as a pattern of mismanagement. Posts on X and Reddit have criticized Penske for failing to secure Power’s future, with some fans arguing that the team’s focus on younger drivers like David Malukas, rumored to replace Power, reflects a lack of appreciation for veteran talent. Power’s wife, Liz, also voiced her disappointment, noting the emotional toll the uncertainty took on their family. “Will has been loyal, and it’s been hard to watch him go through this,” she told IndyStar.
Despite the controversy, Miles remains optimistic about IndyCar’s future. He pointed to the series’ competitive racing and growing international interest as signs of resilience. Power’s move to Andretti Global, a team with its own ambitions to challenge for championships, could reinvigorate the sport’s competitive landscape. However, Miles stressed that IndyCar must learn from this crisis to prevent further alienation of its fanbase. “We’re listening, and we’re acting,” he said. “The passion of our fans is what drives this sport, and we owe it to them to get this right.”
As IndyCar navigates this turbulent period, Miles’ willingness to speak out offers a glimmer of hope that the series can address its challenges head-on. For now, the focus remains on rebuilding trust and ensuring that the sport’s stars, like Will Power, are celebrated rather than sidelined.