Power win in Portland helps Newgarden

PORTLAND, Oregon — Josef Newgarden tightened his grip on the IndyCar championship with a trouble-free run at Portland International Raceway and a victory by teammate Will Power.

Power won for the second time in three races, and the Sunday victory was critical because it prevented any of Newgarden's title contenders from taking the top spot on the podium.

Newgarden started with a 38-point lead in the standings, finished fifth and now takes his bid for a second title in three years to the Sept. 22 season finale to Laguna Seca in California.

"I am happy for Will, I wanted Will to win the race," Newgarden said. "If we weren't going to win it, then he's the guy to win and take the points away from somebody else."

Power understood the task for Team Penske and Chevrolet, and understood he had to prevent Alexander Rossi and five-time and reigning series champion Scott Dixon from winning at Portland and closing in on Newgarden's points lead. Rossi finished third, but still trails Newgarden by 41 points, while Dixon was in control of the race early until his battery died and is now a longshot to win the title.

"Just so stoked get to victory lane, helps the team, keeps the other guys from getting points," Power said.

Less than thrilled was Rossi, who believed Portland was the place top ounce after Newgarden had a poor qualifying effort. It put Newgarden in 13th at the start and in the thick of the chaos that began with a multi-car crash in the opening turn. Newgarden, realizing he must only stay out of trouble in two races to win the title, remained calm and avoided the carnage.