Team Australia IndyCar driver Will Power has made a fly-in visit to the Bathurst 1000 today in the lead-up to the Nikon Indy 300 on the streets of Surfers Paradise on October 23-26.

Power flew into Bathurst in western New South Wales early Sunday morning, enjoying race day at the iconic Australian sporting event around the world famous Mount Panorama circuit.

Power met with drivers, fans, corporate guests and media while at Bathurst, promoting his home race on the Gold Coast, where he is the two-time defending pole winner and, along with Ryan Briscoe, is vying to become the first Australian to win the event.

The 27-year-old even made a point of trekking up to the top of Mount Panorama to watch the cars crest daunting corners such as McPhillamy Park and The Dipper during the 161-lap, 1000 kilometre endurance race, as well as meeting the die-hard campers that populate the top of the mountain.

“It’s great to come to this event because it’s one of the most demanding races I know of, at one of the most spectacular circuits in the world,” said Power.

“I’ve watched the race from the couch at home in the past few years so it’s great to be here live, soak up the atmosphere, promote the Nikon Indy 300 and catch up with some friends that are involved in V8 Supercars.”

Power was also had time to catch up with former V8 Supercar driver and team owner and now Seven Network pit reporter Mark Larkham.

Power joined Larkham for his one and only Bathurst 1000 start back in 2002, with the pair qualifying 16th and finishing 18th.

“Larko is a great guy and I still remember that weekend back in 2002 because it’s the last time I’ve been to the Bathurst 1000,” said Power.

“He gave me a shot at Bathurst when I was racing Formula 3 and Formula Holden back here in Australia. From there, I went overseas and tried to make it to Formula 1. Then Craig Gore picked me up to drive for Team Australia in the United States and since then everything has just taken off.”

Power now heads back to his home town of Toowoomba in rural Queensland to continue his rigorous fitness training regime, staying with his parents before getting to the Gold Coast late next week, just in time to see his #8 Aussie Vineyards – Team Australia IndyCar arrive via airfreight from the United States.

“It’s great to get a bit of time with mum and dad and catch up with people in Toowoomba,” said Power.

“I love getting back home and getting on the bike and training hard. I would have clocked up thousands of kilometres on the roads around there.

“Then I’ll head down to the Gold Coast and gear up for the big race. No doubt it will be a massive event and I can’t wait to get in the car for that first practice session.”

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2008 IndyCar Series Final Standings - After Race 17
1. #9 Scott Dixon 646
2. #3 Helio Castroneves 629
3. #11 Tony Kanaan 513
4. #10 Dan Wheldon 492
5. #6 Ryan Briscoe 447
6. #7 Danica Patrick 379
7. #26 Marco Andretti 363
8. #17 Ryan Hunter-Reay 360
9. #5 Oriol Servia 358
10. #27 Hideki Mutoh 346
12. #8 Will Power 331

2008 Bombardier Rookie of the Year Standings - After Race 17
1. #27 Hideki Mutoh 346
2. #02 Justin Wilson 340
3. #8 Will Power 331
4. #06 Graham Rahal 288
5. #33 EJ Viso 286
6. #19 Mario Moraes 244
7. #36 Enrique Bernoldi 220
8. #34 Jaime Camara 174
9. #96 Mario Dominguez 112
10. #24 Jay Howard 72