Will Power Slams “Stupid” Push-To-Pass

IndyCar Championship leader Will Power has criticized the push-to-pass device after the changes that were made ahead of the Honda Indy 200 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, which were aimed at deterring drivers from using the device in a defensive manner.

The changes in question meant that the device would only activate five seconds after the driver presses the button on his steering wheel, a change that was implemented to add both strategy and surprise to the race. The push-to-pass device could then only be activated if the driver in question was at full throttle, a change that was aimed at forcing drivers to use the device for a strategic overtake only.

However, when asked whether the push-to-pass device assisted him throughout the race, Will Power voiced his dislike for the way in which the changes dictated when a driver could activate his device.

“I think it was stupid, honestly.” Exclaimed Will Power, “Because the way they got it, you have to have a certain throttle percentage. You’d hit it and get in the corner and it would unclick itself and another – it was useless. Honestly. I didn’t find it useful at all.”

Simon Pagenaud agreed with Will Power, stating that he also preferred the previous rulings regarding the push-to-pass device. The French rookie stormed to his third podium of the season during the race at Mid-Ohio, and currently sits 6th in the Drivers’ Championship with 311 points scored. The push-to-pass device made its first appearance in IndyCar during the 2009 season, and was reintroduced to the Series this season at Toronto after initially not being used at the beginning of the season.

With Power and Pagenaud clearly unhappy with the latest alterations made to the device, it’ll be interesting to see whether or not IndyCar decide to revert the push-to-pass device back to its original setting for Sonoma in two weeks time. Regardless of Power and Pagenaud’s opinions, passing was in abundance throughout the field during the 85 lap race at Mid-Ohio.

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