The Indianapolis 500, known as the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” is not only about high-speed laps and intense competition. It’s also a place where personalities shine, and unexpected moments become part of the lore. In 2024, Australian driver Will Power added a touch of humor to the traditional Indy 500 class photo, leaving fans amused and fellow drivers clapping sarcastically.
Always gotta be a late person. Will Power gets sarcastic applause for holding up the #Indy500 class photo. pic.twitter.com/0XALXR4k8s
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) May 20, 2024
As the drivers gathered for the iconic class photo, Will Power made a grand entrance—albeit a tardy one. His arrival was met with raised eyebrows and a few chuckles. The photographers patiently waited as Power took his place, seemingly unfazed by the attention he was drawing.
As the shutters clicked, capturing the historic moment, Power decided to play along. He raised his hands and gave himself a round of sarcastic applause. The other drivers joined in, creating a lighthearted atmosphere. The image of Power clapping for himself amidst a sea of fellow racers became an instant hit on social media.
Will Power: Racing Gods Don’t Want Me to Have Indy 500 Pole
Team Penske’s Will Power, a two-time IndyCar Series champion, has been chasing the elusive Indianapolis 500 pole position. However, it seems that the racing gods have other plans for him. In the dying moments of the Fast Six battle on Sunday, Power watched his dream slip away once again.
As the clock ticked down, reality hit the 43-year-old Aussie. His indy 500 teammate, Scott McLaughlin, set a blistering pace with an opening lap that equated to running at 234.526 mph around the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Power’s hopes of securing the pole vanished, leaving him frustrated and disappointed.
Power expressed his frustration, saying, “For some weird reasons, I just think it’s one of those things where the racing gods go, ‘Yeah, you can have the pole record, but you’re certainly not going to get this one’”. It’s a sentiment shared by many athletes who feel that fate sometimes intervenes in their pursuit of glory.
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