Kevin Harvick has raised concerns that the recent leadership overhaul within Team Penske‘s IndyCar division could negatively impact the organization’s NASCAR performance, specifically highlighting drivers like Joey Logano.
Major Reshuffling Hits Team Penske and Raises Concerns
Team Penske, known for its achievements in both NASCAR and IndyCar, recently let go of key figures in its IndyCar operations after a disappointing Indianapolis 500. Tim Cindric, the long-serving IndyCar Team President and father of NASCAR driver Austin Cindric, was among those dismissed, ending his 25-year tenure. Alongside him, Managing Director Ron Ruzewski and General Manager Kyle Moyer exited the team, sending ripples across the motorsport community.
This significant change came on the heels of an underwhelming showing at the Coca Cola 600, the first NASCAR event after these departures. Harvick pointed to the team‘s lackluster performance in Charlotte, especially with Joey Logano failing to make an impact.
Let’s put it in perspective, they were awful at Charlotte. That was a surprise. We all thought that they were on this consistent path to having that speed. They showed up at Charlotte and weren’t in the mix all night. Never even a part of the conversation.
—Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Champion
Harvick’s assessment reflects an atmosphere of unease, especially since Penske’s drivers struggled to keep pace with contenders throughout the night, remaining absent from any significant race discussions.
Harvick Discusses Potential Effects of IndyCar Exits
Expanding on the matter, Harvick referenced observations from his Happy Hour podcast co-presenter, Mamba Smith. There are fresh doubts about whether the departures from the IndyCar sector would affect the NASCAR group.
You (Mamba Smith) mentioned everything that happened at Indy with the Indy cars and the departure of those people makes you wonder what the trickle-down effect of that is going to be. Maybe it’s just a coincidence that they ran bad at Charlotte, and it all happened on the weekend when all this happened, or whatever the scenario is. But it was as bad as I’ve ever seen all year as a group.
—Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Champion
Harvick emphasized that, while the poor performance could simply coincide with the leadership changes, the timing has led to considerable speculation within the garage area. The group as a whole had one of its worst weekends, sparking questions about stability and direction as Team Penske moves forward.
Roger Penske’s Statement and Accountability Following Indy Disappointment
The backdrop to these events involves a controversial incident in IndyCar. During the Indianapolis 500 qualifying, Penske drivers Josef Newgarden and Will Power were found in violation of regulations preceding the Top 12 Qualifying round. Both were relegated to the back of the starting grid, and each infraction resulted in a $100,000 penalty for the team.
These incidents prompted immediate action from team owner Roger Penske, who issued a rare public apology and explained the reasons for the drastic leadership decisions.
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. I apologize to our fans, our partners and our organization for letting them down.
—Roger Penske, Team Owner
Penske’s message underscores the seriousness of recent setbacks, detailing a commitment to restoring the reputation and effectiveness of his racing teams. The departed executives, most notably Tim Cindric, had been recognized across the sport for their decades of leadership and strategic influence.
Challenges Ahead for Penske’s NASCAR Team
The immediate aftermath of these changes has left the NASCAR branch of Team Penske facing uncertainty. Harvick and others have drawn attention to the growing pressure on staff to adapt quickly and clarify future plans, especially as the organization attempts to recover from back-to-back difficult campaigns.
While it is uncertain how deeply the IndyCar shakeup will impact NASCAR operations, figures such as Joey Logano and Austin Cindric may face greater scrutiny as the team realigns its leadership and internal workflows. Ensuring the NASCAR side remains focused on results will be crucial, given the distractions and speculation currently surrounding Team Penske.
What This Could Mean for NASCAR and the Future
Team Penske is entering a defining moment, with both its IndyCar and NASCAR teams under the microscope. Kevin Harvick’s warnings come at a tense time, and the effects of removing top leadership may extend beyond technical decisions. As the organization navigates restructuring, other teams and fans will closely watch whether Joey Logano and his peers can overcome current challenges or if recent events will jeopardize their competitive edge.
The journey forward will test the depth and resilience of the personnel within Team Penske, as they attempt to manage change and revive their standing in American motorsport. The focus now rests on whether new arrivals and internal adjustments can halt recent declines, ensuring that neither Joey Logano nor the broader NASCAR efforts are derailed by turbulence originating from the IndyCar side.
