Will Power’s preparation for the defense of the IndyCar World Series championship lead has been shattered by a 6.1 earthquake, which had its epicentre just a few miles from his Napa Valley hotel at 3.30am local time.

Power, who has taken pole for this morning’s penultimate round of the championship at Sonoma Raceway, leads the title chase by 40 points from his Team Penske teammate Helio Castroneves.

Power and his wife Liz were evacuated from their room and made a decision to head straight to the track where Power managed to get a couple of hours rest in the motorhome of team owner Roger Penske.

His morning shower was taken at the track medical centre before he dialed himself into the rest of the day, which included corporate visits and pre-race team meetings.

It was the biggest earthquake to hit California since 1989’s 6.9 magnitude disaster and has left at least 87 people injured and damaged gas and water mains.

“I thought the world was coming to an end,” Power told Speedcafe.com.

“We just got out and everyone was standing in their Pajamas.

“The mirrors smashed off the walls, the draws fell out and the pipes broke. It was crazy.”

Power’s Toowoomba-based mum Marg is attending her  first ever race of Power’s career was staying at the same hotel and also escaped injury.

Power’s Penske teammate Juan Pablo Montoya was also evacuated from a separate hotel as were a full contingent of other teams including Andretti Motorsport.

Most of the teams, which are staying in California before attending a test at Fontana on Wednesday, are being relocated tonight.

The earthquake was the talk of the IndyCar paddock as team members recounted their individual experiences.

The town of Napa, which is approximately 20km from the Sonoma track, was severely hit with commercial and residential buildings suffering major damage.

One trailer park was left with several residences on fire.

Track officials went directly to the circuit after the quake and conducted a thorough safety inspection before announcing that this morning’s race would precede.