Sonoma, Calif., August 22, 2010 – There's an old saying that goes…nothing succeeds like success.

Sure he had the will and the power to succeed but these things never come easy, despite the pundits who characterize the annual event at Infineon as unexciting and for the most part, uneventful.

John Frankenheimer's 1966 Cinerama epic, "Grand Prix" focused at one point upon racing through the streets of Monte Carlo, another road course configuration that offers limited passing and viewing opportunities. It became very clear that this event, like others of its kind, was more than just what appeared on the track. It was the total experience that Frankenheimer focused upon…the sights, the sounds and the people that comprised the "color" that each and every racing event provides to each and every individual with a ticket. It doesn't matter if Power led from flag to flag, whether he used black tires or red, or whether or not he was involved in a multi car pileup. Speed is its own reward and Power used it to best some of the most talented drivers in the world this afternoon.

Perfection, like beauty, is in the eyes of the beholder. Who defines what it is and who establishes how it is attained depends upon that indefinable term: perspective.

A year ago, Power found himself at the crossroads of his career. The 29 year old Australian encountered a defining moment during the final practice session when he slammed into Nelson Philippe's stalled car at nearly 100 mph at one of Infineon's blind curves. A concussion, broken teeth and four cracked vertebrae put him on the fast track to anonyminity, given the fact that he had experienced limited success at KV Racing Technologies in 2009 and had just been granted part-time driver status at the "used to winning" Penske organization. A long and painful convalescence followed, during which time, Power had to make a decision whether he was willing to continue with a career that was in remission.

This year was another matter entirely. At the end of qualifying, Power was sitting in the "catbird seat" with an IndyCar series season record of eight pole positions. Coming into this race, Power's four wins (in nine races) in 2010 provided him with a 41 point cushion over his nearest rival, Dario Franchitti, for the series championship with five more races remaining.

Power's ability to hold off his rivals for 73 out of 75 laps was a testament to his ability to overcome adversity at a place that just one year prior had put him literally through the meat grinder. With five races remaining, Power extended his championship points lead to 59 over Franchitti.

Storybook seasons are rare but Power has proved that his comeback year has all the trappings of a Hollywood make it or break it plot, complete with all the downs and the ups we sometimes find so hard to believe in today's reality oriented world.

Race Statistics
Track Length- 2.303 miles
Margin of Victory- 0.743 seconds
Time of Race- 1:52:34
Lead Changes- 2
Cautions- 4
Winner’s Average Speed- 92.1 mph