Just days before the 2025 Indianapolis 500, the Team Penske leadership shakeup ahead of Indianapolis 500 has led to the departure of key executives, including Tim Cindric, following a string of recent scandals. Cindric, who has served with Team Penske since 1999 and most recently led their IndyCar division, is leaving alongside Managing Director Ron Ruzewski and General Manager Kyle Moyer, as confirmed by the organization.
Scandals lead to senior dismissals at Team Penske
Tim Cindric’s long association with Team Penske came to an end after he was caught in the aftermath of an IndyCar controversy. During the season opener, it was discovered that Penske drivers Josef Newgarden and Scott McLaughlin had improperly used the push-to-pass system, which was prohibited under the 2024 rules. This infraction led to both drivers losing their top race finishes, and both Cindric and Ruzewski faced suspensions as a result. Cindric’s role was reduced, limiting him from President of Team Penske and NASCAR leader to solely overseeing IndyCar.
The scrutiny intensified as another violation occurred during the Indianapolis 500 qualifying weekend. Josef Newgarden and Will Power, penalized for rules infractions, are now set to start from the back of the grid for the iconic race. On top of that, team strategists for the No. 2 and 12 entries received suspensions, the teams lost both qualification points and prime pit box selections, and each entry was fined $100,000 for their actions.
These consecutive controversies effectively spelled the end for Cindric, Ruzewski, and Moyer’s tenure within Team Penske. As two years of issues came to a head, the organization announced their removal.
Team Penske announced today the departures of INDYCAR Team President, Tim Cindric, INDYCAR Managing Director, Ron Ruzewski and INDYCAR General Manager Kyle Moyer from the organization,”a statement from the organization read. “Team Penske will have further announcements this week related to personnel and replacements for this weekend’s Indianapolis 500.
Roger Penske addresses team controversies and its impact
Team owner Roger Penske, renowned for his decades-long influence in motorsports and head of the Penske Corporation since it acquired Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2019, spoke openly about the turmoil. Acknowledging the seriousness of repeated organizational breakdowns, Penske apologized to fans, partners, and the organization at large for failing to uphold the standards expected in the sport.
Nothing is more important than the integrity of our sport and our race teams. We have had organizational failures during the last two years, and we had to make necessary changes,”Penske’s statement read. “I apologize to our fans, our partners and our organization for letting them down.
Additional context and possible repercussions
This leadership crisis occurs at a time of high visibility for Team Penske. With the Indianapolis 500 set to run this weekend, the team faces a pivotal moment under intense public scrutiny. Roger Penske’s deep personal investment is evident, as the race has always been a prized achievement for him and his company. Team strategists and key personnel changes may challenge their preparations, yet the organization must move swiftly to appoint new leaders in time for the race.
The shakeup even has peripheral effects beyond IndyCar, as Tim Cindric is the father of NASCAR Cup Series driver Austin Cindric, a past Daytona 500 and Gateway winner. Although not directly implicated, Austin Cindric’s involvement with the team stands as another reminder of the family’s longstanding presence in motorsports and Team Penske’s broad competitive reach.
While Team Penske’s drivers are preparing to compete under a cloud of controversy, the expectation remains that the team will strive to overcome recent setbacks and restore its standing. With further announcements expected soon regarding interim staff and future plans, Roger Penske and his organization face the challenge of regaining trust among fans and within the racing community, hoping that their drivers’ on-track performances can offer a measure of redemption during this turbulent period.
