Will Power says that this weekend’s IndyCar event at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas will be his biggest challenge for the season.

That statement just makes Power’s result in opening practice at the ultra-fast, 1.5-mile tri-oval all the more encouraging, as the Australian driver posted the ninth fastest time at Texas today.

This weekend’s Bombardier Learjet 550 will be a big challenge for Power and the Aussie Vineyards – Team Australia crew as they seek to jump back into the top 10 in the 2008 IndyCar Series standings.

Texas Motor Speedway is a physically demanding oval where speeds can reach as high as 220mph (354km/h) and an average lap can be as high as 215mph (346km/h).

In windy conditions on the opening day of running at Texas today, Power’s fastest lap produced an average speed of 211.959mph (341.115km/h).

The Aussie Vineyards crew will also be put to the test as they contest just their fifth oval race against established IndyCar teams, which have significantly more data and experience on this truly challenging circuit.

Power, who showed great speed but was out of luck on the flat Milwaukee oval last weekend, is making his Texas Motor Speedway debut, meaning that practice time will be invaluable.

WHAT THE TEAM HAD TO SAY …

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

On Texas Motor Speedway …

“It’s fair to say that Texas is going to be my biggest challenge for the year,” said Power.

“The track has a reputation of being pretty daunting. There are obviously very high speeds with the steep banking and that’s something I am still learning, the oval track racing. But I’m enjoying the challenge and the goal is to improve from week to week.

“The racing at Texas is extremely tough. It’s three wide there through the banking in the turns and there is always something happening. You have to be concentrating literally every second of the race.

“Our car development is improving from race to race and there are new parts coming with every week.

“I am looking forward to the Texas race under the lights. The KVRT Aussie Vineyards crew has a few ovals under our belt now and while Texas is very different from Milwaukee the team has done a great job developing the car on ovals.

“This team has really come on strong and is working well together. I am very proud to be a part of this organisation and to be representing Aussie Vineyards and all of our sponsors. I believe that we will win more races before the end of the year.”

On ninth fastest in opening practice …

”Today was a good session for KVRT Aussie Vineyards – Team Australia,” said Power.

“We did a lot of race se-tups, which will help. I love the track, it’s good fun and I think the race is going to be real interesting.

“We just need to keep making good progress over the next couple of sessions and see if we can get a good race car.”

Craig Gore: Aussie Vineyards - Team Australia

“Texas is a very, very fast place and I am sure that Will’s first few laps around there today in the Aussie Vineyards IndyCar really captured his attention,” said Gore.

“They say everything is big in Texas and their race track is no exception. It’s an amazing facility and it always turns on spectacular racing.

“The Aussie Vineyards car will be quite a sight running at those speeds around the banking under lights at Texas.

“It’s a great sign that Will is in the top 10 so early in the weekend but I know that it’s race set-up that has is his major focus.”

RESULTS: Practice 1
1. #9 Scott Dixon 24:4953
2. #26 Marco Andretti 24.5380
3. #24 John Andretti 24.5966
4. #10 Dan Wheldon 24.5994
5. #2 AJ Foyt IV 24.6745
6. #20 Ed Carpenter 24.6885
7. #6 Ryan Briscoe 24.6904
8. #7 Danica Patrick 24.6948
9. #8 Will Power 24.7123
10. #27 Hideki Mutoh 24.7132

2008 IndyCar Series Points Standings - After Race 6
1. #9 Scott Dixon 234
2. #3 Helio Castroneves 206
3. #10 Dan Wheldon 185
4. #11 Tony Kanaan 174
5. #7 Danica Patrick 144
6. #26 Marco Andretti 142
7. #5 Oriol Servia 140
8. #6 Ryan Briscoe 134
9. #20 Ed Carpenter 132
10. #27 Hideki Mutoh 131
11. #8 Will Power 130

2008 Bombardier Rookie of the Year Standings - After Race 6
1. #27 Hideki Mutoh 131
2. #8 Will Power 130
3. #33 EJ Viso 117
4. #36 Enrique Bernoldi 113
5. #06 Graham Rahal 108
6. #02 Justin Wilson 107
7. #19 Mario Moraes 77
8. #24 Jay Howard 62
9. #34 Franck Perera 56
10. #96 Mario Dominguez 45