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photo: Ron McQueeney

Well, not exactly punted.  Helio landed this morning after being aquitted of federal tax evasion charges yesterday in Miami.  He retook the cockpit of the #3 Team Penske car pushing Will Power into the #12.  Penske will be running three cars this weekend. 

Will Power showed his skill on the streets of Long Beach after transfering into the new Dallara.  Sponsorship did not seem like it was an issue with the car having Verizon livery on it.  This does not come as a surprise from Roger Penske.  While some are a step ahead of things he has always proved to be several. 

Helio had a rough day after putting the car attenuator first into the turn 1 wall during qualifying.  He missed the tire barrier by a few feet causing him to hit hard.  Today was his first day in the car since October. 

Will Power started 4th in Long Beach last season and led all but two of the 83 laps to finish P1.  He stated that starting from pole is especially important since Long Beach has very few places to pass. 

You can join us on our reader interactive blog tomorrow during the race.

You can watch the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach tomorrow on VERSUS and VERSUS HD at 3:30 ET.

Photo from IndyCar.com

Well not only The Power of Penske, but Power to Penske…  I know, sounded lame…sorry.  It is reported however that Will Power will be on deck at Penske Racing if Helio can’t run this season due to his pending trial.  He will be in the car during the off-season testing according to IndyCar.com  I would have honestly chosen Ryan Hunter-Reay but who am I to argue with Roger Penske.  Their is no doubt in my mind that The Captain knows what he is doing.  Everyone doubted Briscoe when Penske picked him up after his abysmal season with Target Chip Ganassi in 2005, but who can doubt the season that he had in 2008 with 3 wins.   We already know Will Power is a hell of a road course driver.  I myself am anxious to see him this year on the ovals.    After all, with a name like Will Power, how can you lose…