Will Power has maintained his position in the top 10 in the 2008 IndyCar Series points standings despite crashing out early in the Road Runner Turbo Indy 300 at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas today.

Power started from 18th position in the #8 Aussie Vineyards - Team Australia Honda/Dallara/Firestone at the 1.5-mile speedway but the Australian did not get much of an opportunity to show his potential in today’s 200-lap event.

Power, in only his third oval race and his second in an IndyCar, crashed out on lap 22 when he got too close to another car and lost ‘aero’, the air disturbance from the car ahead taking away downforce from Power’s car.

The Aussie Vineyards car lost grip and spun, making contact with the Turn 2 SAFER Barrier and bringing out the caution.

Power drops one spot in the standings to now lie in sixth position after four races and continues to lead the Bombardier Rookie of the Year standings.

British driver Dan Wheldon won today’s Road Runner Turbo Indy 300 ahead of Brazil’s Tony Kanaan and Kiwi Scott Dixon.

Power will be back in action next weekend as proceedings for the 92nd Indianapolis 500 kick off at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Power will turn his first laps at the famed speedway for Rookie Orientation beginning on Sunday May 4, with practice for all IndyCar drivers and teams commencing on Tuesday May 6.

For a full month of May schedule for the 92nd Indianapolis 500 CLICK HERE.

WHAT THE TEAM HAD TO SAY …

Will Power - #8 Aussie Vineyards - Team Australia Honda/Dallara/Firestone

“I got caught up at the bottom of the track, and I couldn’t go high because I wasn’t sure if someone was there,” said Power.

“I just lost all the air and the KV Racing Technology Aussie Vineyards – Team Australia car flicked round so quick there was no way I could fix it.

“It is disappointing. The crew has worked really hard, and I wanted to do better in my second IndyCar oval race. But now we go to Indianapolis for the month of May, and we will have plenty of track time to improve the car. I can also get some more experience on ovals.”

Craig Gore - Aussie Vineyards - Team Australia

“It’s a shame that our day ended so early but you take the good with the bad,” said Gore.

“Will showed last week at Long Beach what a sensational young talent he is and once he gets up to speed on the ovals he will be a genuine contender.

“These things happen, especially in oval racing. Now we move on the Indianapolis 500 and I can’t wait to see the green and gold Aussie Vineyards – Team Australia car running around that special racetrack.”

RESULTS: Road Runner Turbo Indy 300 at Kansas Speedway
Race 4 of the 2008 IndyCar Series
1. #10 Dan Wheldon 200 laps
2. #11 Tony Kanaan
3. #9 Scott Dixon
4. #3 Helio Castroneves
5. #26 Marco Andretti
6. #27 Hideki Mutoh
7. #6 Ryan Briscoe
8. #2 AJ Foyt IV
9. #02 Justin Wilson 199 laps
10. #20 Ed Carpenter 198 laps
27. #8 Will Power 22 laps