Things to do in Sacramento and Beyond: IndyCar's Will Power goes for three-peat at Sonoma

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August 23, 2012

IndyCar's Will Power goes for three-peat at Sonoma

Will Power makes the 100th start of his IndyCar racing career Sunday, and there's no place he'd rather do that than Sonoma.

The Australian driver will attempt a three-peat in the GoPro Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma. Power won both the 2010 and 2011 Sonoma races, each time from the pole.

Currently the points leader in a tight race for the 2012 IndyCar championship, Power hopes Sonoma can give his Penske Racing team an edge.

"We're trying to put it all together," said Power over lunch in Sacramento on Thursday. "This has been the most competitive season since I've been (in IndyCar). We have five guys going for the championship. It could go down to the last race (Sept. 15 at Fontana). It's great for the fans - but nerve-wracking for us."

With three races to go, Power leads Ryan Hunter-Reay by five points (379 to 374) with Helio Castroneves, Scott Dixon and James Hinchcliffe within striking distance.

For this race, Power helped tweak the track at Sonoma, which modified three turns on its 12-turn road course.

"Turn 11 was my suggestion," Power said. "Dario (Franchitti) suggested Turn 7. Turn 9 - who knows? It was a committee. But all the additions are good."

Under Power's suggestion, the entry into Turn 11 was lengthened 200 feet before the hairpin corner.

"The new track configuration will make it better for everybody," said Power, who tested at Sonoma last week. "We'll see a lot more passing. The hairpin is very difficult. But that's what makes it fun."

Practice starts Friday at the former Infineon Raceway. IndyCar qualifying will start at 2:30 p.m. Saturday for Sunday's GoPro Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma.

Tickets are still available. Click on www.racesonoma.com/indycar or call (800)870-7223.

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