Will Power has crashed out on the eighth lap of the SunTrust Indy Challenge at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Virginia today.

Power started from 16th position in the #8 Aussie Vineyards – Team Australia Honda/Dallara/Firestone, but soon after a restart after the first caution period of the race, Power lost the rear end of his car and hit the Turn 4 SAFER Barrier.

Power was classified in 25th position and scored 10 championship points, dropping him from ninth to 11th in the series standings after nine race.

Tony Kanaan won today’s caution-plagued SunTrust Indy Challenge ahead of Helio Castroneves and Scott Dixon.

Power will have a chance to shine next weekend as the Australian gets to race his first IndyCar event on a permanent road course in the Camping World GP at Watkins Glen International in Watkins Glen, New York.

WHAT THE TEAM HAD TO SAY …

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

“The back end just came around and that was it,” said Power.

“I feel really bad for the guys but we will aim to bounce back next weekend.

“It’s hurt us in the points so I’m very keen to run right at the front in Watkins Glen.”

Craig Gore: Aussie Vineyards - Team Australia

“It’s unfortunate that Will’s race ended so early,” said Gore.

“It was a strange race and Will certainly wasn’t the only one to get caught out.

“There are some great events coming up for Aussie Vineyards – Team Australia over the next few weeks, so it’s an exciting time in the schedule.

“Watkins Glen will be a great chance for Will and the crew to bounce back.”

RESULTS: SunTrust Indy Challenge at Richmond International Raceway
Race 9 in the 2008 IndyCar Series
1. #11 Tony Kanaan 300 laps
2. #3 Helio Castroneves
3. #9 Scott Dixon
4. #10 Dan Wheldon
5. #5 Oriol Servia
6. #7 Danica Patrick
7. #02 Justin Wilson
8. #23 Townsend Bell
9. #26 Marco Andretti 299 laps
10. #33 EJ Viso 298 laps
25. #8 Will Power 8 laps

RESULTS: PEAK Motor Oil Pole Qualifying
1. #11 Tony Kanaan 167.876mph (four lap average speed)
2. #26 Marco Andretti 167.795
3. #06 Graham Rahal 167.250
4. #9 Scott Dixon 167.120
5. #15 Buddy Rice 166.804
6. #10 Dan Wheldon 166.768
7. #27 Hideki Mutoh 166.518
8. #2 AJ Foyt IV 166.126
9. #18 Bruno Junqueira 166.032
10. #5 Oriol Servia 165.815
16. #8 Will Power 164.321

2008 IndyCar Series Points Standings - After Race 9
1. #9 Scott Dixon 351
2. #3 Helio Castroneves 308
3. #10 Dan Wheldon 299
4. #11 Tony Kanaan 269
5. #7 Danica Patrick 220
6. #27 Hideki Mutoh 216
7. #26 Marco Andretti 211
8. #6 Ryan Briscoe 210
9. #5 Oriol Servia 194
10. #20 Ed Carpenter 185
11. #8 Will Power 179

2008 Bombardier Rookie of the Year Standings - After Race 9
1. #27 Hideki Mutoh 216
2. #8 Will Power 179
3. #33 EJ Viso 170
4. #02 Justin Wilson 161
5. #06 Graham Rahal 159
6. #36 Enrique Bernoldi 148
7. #19 Mario Moraes 114
8. #34 Jaime Camara 74
9. #24 Jay Howard 62
10. #96 Mario Dominguez 57