Power captures IRL race in Fla.

Associated Press

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.

Will Power’s right hand was wrapped in a bandage after the race, something that probably should be striking fear across the Indy Racing League.

When Power gets hurt, he seems to come back stronger.

Barely seven months after breaking his back in a scary crash, Power continued crafting a stirring comeback tale on Monday by winning the rain-delayed Honda Grand Prix for his second victory in as many IndyCar events this year. Power went to the front after a restart on the 78th of 100 laps, then stayed there the rest of the way and held off Justin Wilson by nearly a full second.

“I don’t think there’s anything better than winning, unless there’s some other position,” Power said.

There isn’t.

Power is the first driver to start an IndyCar season 2-for-2 since Sam Hornish did it on his way to the series title in 2001, and he’s already got a 44-point lead in the standings over defending series champion Dario Franchitti, Ryan Hunter-Reay and Wilson.

Plus, Power led a huge day for Penske Racing. Ryan Briscoe was third, Helio Castroneves fourth — and after that, no one in the field finished within 22 seconds of the lead.

“I think we’re pretty good just about anywhere,” said Briscoe, who started 19th.

Wilson ran great at St. Pete for the third straight year, but even he could never make a serious run at the lead in the final laps.

Wilson led 18 of the 83 laps in the 2008 race in southwest Florida — only Graham Rahal led more that day, with 19. Rahal won, with Wilson settling for ninth. And last year, Wilson led 52 of the 100 laps, losing the lead late and eventually finishing third behind Briscoe.

“Third last year, second this year,” Wilson said. “Can’t wait for next year.”

Wilson’s team gave him a less-than-complicated strategy: Stay with Power.