In his Indy 500 debut Will Power managed to finish 1o places higher than he started and finished on the lead lap. The strong showing made him the highest placed aussie with countryman Ryan Briscoe crashing out.

Power, who was making his first start on a super-speedway oval, started in the middle of Row #8 in the 23rd position. He spent the first three quarters of the 200-lap event calmly and patiently continuing to learn the nuances of ovals, especially big oval racing, which began to produce results starting just prior to his last stop. Power was running in 15th place when he pitted for the last time on lap 171. After an outstanding stop by his Aussie Vineyards crew he rejoined the contest in 11th quickly moving into 10th, but his car developed some overseer and went loose dropping him back to 13th on the where he remained until the end of the race.

“It was a good race and I am really happy with the way it went,� Power said. “Aussie Vineyards – Team Australia kept creeping up the leader board the whole race, but the car was becoming pretty loose at the end. I was able to hang on and finish the race which was key, but it was mentally draining. It was a good result because I was able to get a lot of experience and I am relieved to get have gotten through my first Indy 500.�

In an incident that both drivers will feel the other is the cause of, Danica Patrick and Ryan Briscoe have come together in the pits and ended both their races on the spot.

Briscoe had been running a solid if not spectacular 500 up to that point and was back in the top ten.

“From what I can see, there was still plenty of room on the right side for her to get around and there are people pointing fingers, but that's not the way we are,� Briscoe said. “We both have a brake pedal in our cars, and from what I can tell, there was still plenty of room for her to get around me. I was trying to get around (Dan) Wheldon, and I was staying in the middle lane. I got ran up in the back, and it's a shame."

The race was won by Pole sitter Scott Dixon from New Zealand and was his first Indy 500 win for the former series champion.

Will Power posted a average lap speed of 221.136 mph to take 23rd on the grid for the Indy 500. He was 12th fastest on the day, with Townsend Bell posting the fastest time on the day with an average lap speed of 222.539 mph.

Will Power posted a stunning 4th fastest time in the last full practice, before attempting to qualify Saturday for the Indy 500.

The downside was that he crashed 45 minutes into the session and did not return to the track. At the time of the crash he was sitting second with an average lap speed of 223.039 mph. The team were working on the car late into the night, in an effort to make sure he can run in Qualifying Saturday.

"Obviously this is a setback for the team because of the track time we're going to lose," Power said. "But I know the team will do what needs to be done and we will be ready to qualify tomorrow."

Will Power posted the 6th fastest time in practice Thursday as the teams get ready for the second qualifying say Saturday. Power averaged 222.657 behind Ryan Briscoe who topped the sheets with a average lap speed of 223.708.

It was nice to get some dry track time today in the KVRT Aussie Vineyards – Team Australia car,� Power said.  “Everyone thought it would rain today, but fortunately it never came.  We were able to get through a few test items, did one qualifying run and a couple of long runs which were interesting.  But all in all, we are still at a similar pace as before.  We are making slow progress, but I think now we really need to focus on the race setup.   I think that is the most critical for us if we are going to finish well in this race.�

Ryan Briscoe has qualified third for the Indy 500 behind Kiwi Scott Dixon on poll.

The first day of qualifying saw the top 11 spots decided. Fellow Aussie Will Power is yet to qualify.

“I had a really good run,� Briscoe said. “The car was balanced really well for the downforce level we trimmed out to, and it was a solid gain, for sure. We were on the edge, and it was exciting. I’m really happy to be in the thick of it. This is unbelievable.�

The month of May at Indy has kicked off with the Rookie Orientation Program. The Rookie Orientation Program, ROP, requires that first year drivers wishing to contest the Indianapolis 500 must compete four phases.  They must turn 10 laps at each of 200-205 mph, 205-210 mph, 210-215 mph and 215+ mph.  The first three phases must be completed on the first two days the track is open while the fourth phase may be completed during practice later in the month.

Will Power and his teammate Oriol Servia both took part and completed all four stages, with Power posting the fastest time of 220.694 mph the 11 drivers taking part. He also ran the most laps of anyone doing a full 94 laps for the day.

Commenting afterwards Power said, “The KV Racing Technology team wanted to get in as many laps as possible today, which is what we achieved.  To be quick today means we are gradually getting there and I was able to go flat the whole way.  I felt really comfortable with the Aussie Vineyards – Team Australia car and once I was able to go flat, the car felt better and I was able to start letting some of the front wing out.  The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is something I have never driven on and I found it unique because it was so fast.  It’s not really like an oval because of its four corners and flat banking, but almost a mixture between a banked oval and a road course.  It was something more than I had expected…daunting, and as far as ovals go, its more technical and therefore you can’t make a mistake.�

In return to combined racing, the two aussie drivers had very different races.

Ryan Briscoe managed to come home in 7th and commented "I thought today was a good race for Team Penske,� Briscoe said. “We had a solid car and I'm fairly happy with our result. The final laps were a little frustrating, because I think I had better than a seventh-place car. I was just trying to play it safe, looking for a solid finish. I thought it was a good day for me and I feel like I learned a lot out there.�

Meanwhile Will Power crashed out for KV Racing. Power, KV Racing Technology #8 Aussie Vineyards – Team Australia Honda/Dallara/Firestone, who was competing in just his third oval event and second on a big oval, started 18th with an average speed of 210.091mph. The talented 27-year-old Australian, who continues to learn the nuances of oval racing, was contesting lap 22 and battling in traffic when he lost the air that creates downforce and slid into the wall in Turn #2, damaging his car and ending his race.

“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,� Power said. “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 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.� Next up in the series is the world famous Indy 500.

Danika Patrick has taken her first win and the first by a female driver in open wheel racing in the states.

Ryan Briscoe had been running with the leaders when he rubbed the wall late in the race and bought his Penske home in 9th place.

Open wheel racing in America, this weekend ensures one of its last weekends apart.

Due to contractual obligations, the old CHAMP Car series was required to run the Long Beach Grand Prix this weekend. However the IRL was tied to a deal to race in Japan at Motegi.

So the two Aussie's in the series find themselves racing apart again. Will Power is with KV Racing at Long Beach and Ryan Briscoe is in Japan.

Power has qualified 10th for the Long Beach Grand Prix and Briscoe will start from 15th. Rain saw the qualifying session washed out and the grid was determined by the last practive session.

<p>On a day that saw the youngest ever winner and a win by a Champ Car driver in Graham Rahal in his first start, Will Power came home in 8th for KV Racing at the St Petersberg Grand Prix.

<p>Fellow Aussie Ryan Briscoe driving for Penske racing again crashed out of a race, when he hit the wall at Turn 10 on lap 57.

In the first road race of the season, Will Power has grabbed second spot in qualifying to show he is coming to grips with the new car. Whilst St Petersburg is a road course the result suggests Power will be on the pace once he and the team come to grips with oval racing.

"I wanted to get into the Firestone Fast Six, which we did," Power said. "I was a little disappointed that we didn't get the pole considering the lap time we posted in the previous session. I'm very happy to be on the front row."

Power said the results were a vindication of the ex-Champ Car teams' efforts.

"Most importantly, it's a payback to the team," he said. "They've been working so hard over the last month - working long hours and they haven't been seeing their families - so I 'm very happy for them."

Kiwi Scott Dixon posted a season opening win and the first under the unified series. However the two Aussie's in field failed to make the chequered flag.

Will Power was the first to exit when he touched with Justin Wilson at the end of the first yellow. Whilst both cars were forced to the pits, Wilson was able to continue while Power was forced to exit.

Briscoe made it past the half way point and was running a strong race when he was left with no where to go when Milka Duno's spun in front of him.

Ryan Briscoe has qualified 5th fastest at the season opening Homestead Grand Prix. Fellow countrymen Will Power could only manage 21st as the Champ Car teams struggled as expected.

The highest placed Champ Car runner was 15th for Franck Perera with an average speed of 209.230, compared to the Pole Sitter kiwi Scott Dixon who averaged 213.341. Briscoe posted a average lap speed of 213.341 whilst Power could only manage 208.029.

The race will be the first run as a unified series.

<p>"I have not mislead Derrick Walker and or Walker Racing in any form," Gore said. "Derrick provided me with an unacceptable budget and costings with nefarious funding schedules to continue in 2008 and he has constantly advised he was moving on with other sponsors if I didn't agree.

<p>"I have not at any time attempted to disband the company or steal drivers or staff. I have never directly or indirectly had any conversations or engagement with staff of GFW. Even during the period where the staff were employed directly by me.

<p>"In fact, Derrick signed Will Power in mid-February without my knowledge or consent to operate independently to GFW - a breach of his duty to both GFW, myself and the parties he was purporting to deal with.

<p>"This was a short term contract in which Derrick failed to fulfil certain criteria - Will was automatically released after the required deadline and then signed to race with Team Australia and KV Racing Technology.

<p>"Once this was disclosed to me I severed all ties with Derrick Walker. I did try to involve him in the new team, but he was not prepared to work for others, or with others and wanted to continue operating as Walker Racing.

<p>"He was not prepared to sell his factory, shut down his team and merge. He was insistent on operating the team from Walker Racing premises and his conditions of funding were ludicrous, fanciful and self-serving to say the least.

<p>"I did not provide Derrick Walker or Walker Racing any commitment moving forward other than to do my best to contribute towards the merging of both series as I thought this was the best outcome for all involved."

<p>"Not at any time did Derrick Walker and or Walker Racing or anyone associated with him provide any permanent funding to the team, the branding of Team Australia or any other form of funding required for the team," he said. "This amounts to more than $20 million (USD) over a three-year period.

<p>"Derrick Walker and Walker Racing used, to its sole benefit, the branding of Team Australia to develop funding for the Champ Car Atlantic programme. I received no benefit from this and I am currently owed $500,000 (USD) for cars and equipment bought by myself to establish this team the previous year. I have never called on or asked for this to be repaid.

<p>"There have been numerous anomalies in accounts over the period amounting to more than $500,000 (USD). I have never called on these to be repaid. I will now call on the funds to be repaid immediately. I will also cause for all accounts to be forensically investigated to ensure there has been no misappropriation of funds provided to the team.

<p>"After three years there is less than $300,000 (USD) owing in the accounts, save for Mr Walker himself, up to and prior to the date I advised him to cease operation. I have paid all budget over-runs including $950,000 (USD) in 2006 which were incurred without my express agreement or prior knowledge.

<p>"At present there is $1.1 million (USD) outstanding in the GFW accounts, of which I have provided Derrick several undertakings to pay. These have been obviously unacceptable and now withdrawn. However, when taking into consideration Mr Walker is the largest creditor (his contribution to our partnership) it was agreed to work harmoniously to resolve these matters in an orderly and appropriate manner."

<p>Gore added that he is not concerned about the prospect of a court case.

<p>"I look forward to any court action Derrick Walker may take," he said. "I relish the opportunity to have my day in court."

It seems the closure of Walker racing, following the merger with the IRL, may not have been a mutual decision. Derrick Walker has suggested that money may be owing when Craig Gore withdrew his support. The dispute follows the late decision by Gore to withdraw from the V8 Supercar series in Australia just prior to the season opening Clipsal 500.

In a statement Waker said "I was extremely disappointed by Craig Gore's announcement to take Team Australia, our driver, and sponsors to KV Racing,"

"Contrary to Gore's recent statements, I developed the concept of Team Australia in 2005. Over a three-year period, Team Australia had great success in using motor sports as a marketing tool for Australian companies, including Gore's winery, Aussie Vineyards.

"Despite the success of the team, Gore defaulted on his financial obligations to Team Australia throughout the 2007 season. Walker Racing was forced to loan the team substantial funds in order to continue competing in the Champ Car World Series.

"Walker Racing is still owed in excess of $1,500,000 by Gore and his related entities. I relied upon Gore's repeated assurances that he would fulfill his commitments to the Team Australia program and to me.

"Until Gore's recent announcement to take Team Australia to KV Racing, I was led to believe that we would be moving forward together as a team in 2008.

"I believe that Gore's actions are a serious default of his contractual commitments and fiduciary obligations as a business partner. I have given Gore ample opportunities to resolve these disputes informally. Unfortunately, it appears I will have no choice but to take legal action."

A statement was issued on Friday night confirming that an agreement had been reached between Champ Car chiefs and the IRL.

The short statement said: "Owners of Champ Car and the Indy Racing League completed an agreement in principle Friday that will unify the sport for 2008.

"Gerald Forsythe, co-owner of Champ Car, signed an agreement in principle in Chicago, joining his partner Kevin Kalkhoven and Indy Racing League founder and CEO Tony George who had signed late Thursday in Indianapolis.

"Details of a press conference about the agreement will be forthcoming."

There has been no confirmation of the final teams that will take part and therefore the status of the seats of Will Power and Ryan Briscoe. Though both are expected to retain their drives. Of the two Power is likely to end up worse off, as his team will need to switch to the IRL car and therefore will be strarting from scratch.