Former President Donald Trump is set to lead the IndyCar Grand Prix prerace in Washington, D.C., traveling in the presidential limousine as part of a celebration tied to America’s 250th birthday, with Penske’s Roger Penske and Bud Denker coordinating the race logistics.
US President Donald Trump hosted the “Freedom 250 Grand Prix Showcase” at the White House to preview the August 22–23 IndyCar street race around the National Mall. The event featured top drivers like Alex Palou, Felix Rosenqvist, and David Malukas alongside Penske executives, highlighting the 1.66-mile, seven-turn temporary circuit and the race’s role in America’s 250th-anniversary celebrations. Penske said tens of thousands had signed up for a free, two-day turnout, emphasizing the event’s scale and significance in showcasing open-wheel racing in Washington, D.C.
At Sebring, Chevrolet publicly debuts the 2027 Corvette Grand Sport with Roger Penske present, signaling a return of the Grand Sport with a new 6.7-liter LS6 V-8 and a wide-body design; the car is reportedly automatic-only, with rumors of a starting price under $100k, and the event underscores Penske’s long-running racing ties to Chevrolet.
Fox Sports will televise The Freedom 250 Grand Prix, an IndyCar street race planned for Aug. 23 in Washington, D.C., as part of President Trump’s 250th birthday celebrations; the race, which would be the first IndyCar street event in the capital, is to run near the National Mall with monuments showcased and expedited permits from the Interior and Transportation departments, with Penske Entertainment and Fox heavily involved in bringing it to life.
Josef Newgarden has signed a new multi-year contract extension with Team Penske, ensuring he will continue driving the No. 2 Chevy for 2025 and beyond. Team owner Roger Penske praised Newgarden's consistent performance and contributions both on and off the track. Newgarden, who joined Penske in 2017, has won two championships and two Indy 500 races with the team. Despite limited free agency options, Newgarden sought a salary increase and held talks with at least one other team. He expressed excitement about continuing his successful partnership with Penske.
Roger Penske and GM's Jim Campbell advocate for a NASCAR playoff waiver for Kyle Larson, who missed a race to compete in the Indy 500. Larson's eligibility for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs is in question, but both Penske and Campbell believe his participation in the Indy 500 benefits motorsports overall. NASCAR has yet to receive a waiver request from Hendrick Motorsports.
Josef Newgarden won the Indianapolis 500, becoming the first driver to secure consecutive wins in 22 years, overcoming a recent cheating scandal. He passed Pato O’Ward on the final lap, giving Roger Penske a record-extending 20th win. The race was delayed by rain, affecting NASCAR star Kyle Larson's performance.
In his final column, Robin Miller passionately urges Roger Penske, Rick Hendrick, and Chevrolet to ensure Kyle Larson competes in the 2022 Indianapolis 500, highlighting Larson's exceptional talent and potential to boost the event's popularity.
Josef Newgarden secured the pole position for IndyCar's season opener, while criticism of Team Penske's management of the series loomed over the paddock. Reigning champion Alex Palou and others were eliminated in qualifying, leading to a showdown between Newgarden and Felix Rosenqvist. Off the track, dissatisfaction with Penske Entertainment's handling of IndyCar was voiced by team owners, with Michael Andretti calling for potential sale if more investment isn't made. Despite the discontent, Penske received support from Chip Ganassi, and IndyCar attempted damage control by highlighting promotional efforts and increased merchandise sales.
IndyCar team owners are divided over the proposed charter system, with Chip Ganassi defending Roger Penske and criticizing Michael Andretti's comments. Ganassi believes the charter system needs more clarity and that owners should unite to speak with one voice. He also supports Penske's efforts in sustaining the series through the pandemic. However, Ganassi disagrees with some aspects of the proposed system and is cautious about implementing an engine package that could be used in both IndyCar and IMSA.
A group of IndyCar team owners, including Andretti Global, Arrow McLaren, Chip Ganassi Racing, Ed Carpenter Racing, and Meyer Shank Racing, united to address concerns with the series under Penske Entertainment, discussing issues such as rising costs and the overall direction of the series. After a constructive meeting with Penske and his executive leadership, a closer working relationship was established, with plans for ongoing dialogue and a smaller group of owners representing all teams in follow-up calls. However, public criticisms from Andretti regarding Penske's leadership have raised concerns about potentially damaging the newly-built bridge with Penske.
IndyCar's season finale moves from Nashville's street circuit to the Nashville Speedway, offering a total of seven oval races in the 17-round season. The change presents an interesting twist in the championship battle, particularly for Team Penske, known for its oval dominance. The move also raises questions about the impact of introducing hybrid powertrains on the big oval and the challenge of replicating the downtown energy of the Music City Grand Prix at the speedway. Despite setbacks and changes, IndyCar's ability to keep the event alive is commendable, and the focus remains on delivering an exciting end to the season.
Felipe Nasr secured Porsche's victory at the Rolex 24 at Daytona, ending a 55-year drought for team owner Roger Penske. The win marked Penske's first overall victory at the endurance race classic and the first for Porsche at Daytona in 14 years. Nasr, along with teammates Matt Campbell, Dane Cameron, and Josef Newgarden, fended off challenges to claim the victory. The triumph also sets Penske's sights on the 24 Hours of Le Mans, an event yet to be conquered by the legendary team owner.
Roger Penske ends a 54-year losing streak at the Rolex 24 at Daytona as his team, Team Penske, wins the prestigious endurance race for the first time since 1969. The winning lineup, led by Felipe Nasr, held off defending champion Tom Blomqvist in a thrilling finish. Penske praised the competitiveness of the race and the large crowd in attendance, while Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden played a key role in the victory.
Roger Penske believes that the reimagined Chevrolet Detroit GP is his greatest gift to the Motor City, and it's bigger than the Super Bowl from an impact within the city. The race course has been moved to a new nine-turn, 1.7-mile downtown layout that will be the centerpiece of an event weekend that is designed to promote a festival and community atmosphere. The race easily could handle a crowd of at least 50,000 daily and probably tens of thousands more in a sprawling track footprint along the city’s riverwalk.