Roger Penske’s IndyCar Legacy Rocked by Back-to-Back Cheating Scandals
The year 2024 was a nightmare for Roger Penske—one of the most respected names in motorsport. What began as a triumphant IndyCar season opener for Team Penske quickly spiraled into scandal. Josef Newgarden appeared to secure a clean win at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, but officials later uncovered that his team had improperly retained push-to-pass software from hybrid testing. This illegal boost system, though unintentional according to Penske, gave drivers an unfair edge. The result was a historic disqualification—the first in nearly three decades—and a blow to the integrity of the sport, especially given that Penske owns Team Penske, the IndyCar Series, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway itself.
Team Penske statement in response to recent INDYCAR penalties: pic.twitter.com/Mqgz0yuIlO
— Team Penske (@Team_Penske) May 19, 2025
The fallout was immediate. Team President Tim Cindric and several engineers were suspended. Penske admitted fault, but the damage to his reputation and the series’ credibility was already done. Critics questioned how such violations could occur under the watch of someone who controls the entire ecosystem.
Fast-forward to May 2025, and another scandal erupts—again centered on Penske’s team, and again involving Josef Newgarden. Just days before the 109th Indianapolis 500, Team Penske was penalized for illegal modifications on the rear attenuators of Newgarden’s and Will Power’s cars. The infractions came at the worst possible time—on Penske’s home turf and the most prestigious race of the year.
Both drivers were fined $100,000, lost qualifying points and pit selections, and were sent to the back of the grid—Newgarden starting 32nd and Power dead last at 33rd. Their respective strategists, including Cindric again, were suspended. The team accepted the penalties without protest, acknowledging the setback publicly.
The parts in question were discovered during a secondary inspection before the Fast 12 qualifying round. Initially, Will Power’s car had passed scrutiny, but further checks uncovered the same illegal modifications on Newgarden’s vehicle. Officials ruled the changes gave the cars a subtle aerodynamic edge and handed down the severe punishment, stopping short of disqualification but making clear the seriousness of the violation.
IndyCar President Doug Boles stated that while both cars technically belonged in the race based on speed, the appropriate penalty was a back-row start. He emphasized that by the time of the top 30 qualification lock-in, the infractions had not yet been flagged.
Nevertheless, rival teams were outraged. Chip Ganassi Racing led the charge in objecting to the decision, calling for stronger accountability. In a closed-door meeting, team owners reportedly rejected calls by the league to move on from the incident.
The implications for Penske are significant. Newgarden, the reigning two-time Indy 500 champion, now faces long odds of securing a historic third consecutive win. Power, in a contract year and seeking to secure his future, has been dealt a demoralizing blow. For a team known for its discipline and professionalism, back-to-back scandals have severely tarnished its image.
In contrast, the 2025 Indy 500 has produced a stunning underdog story. Rookie Robert Shwartzman, driving for first-time entrant PREMA Racing, shocked the motorsport world by claiming pole position with a four-lap average of 232.790 mph. It marked the first rookie pole winner since 1983 and the first debut team to do so since 1984.
Shwartzman, a 24-year-old from Tel Aviv, had never raced on an oval before. His performance transformed PREMA’s fortunes, which started near the bottom during early practice. But after steady progress, the team surged through Fast Friday, made the Top 12, then the Fast Six—and ultimately secured pole.
Joining him on the front row are veterans Takuma Sato and Pato O’Ward. Yet all eyes are on the rookie, whose rise adds an electrifying twist to a race already heavy with controversy and consequence.
As the Indianapolis 500 approaches, the pressure on Team Penske is immense. With reputations on the line and rivals circling, Roger Penske faces the greatest test of his storied motorsports legacy.