Team Penske struggles at Indianapolis 2025 continued as misfortune struck the squad again during Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, dealing a harsh blow to their Brickyard 400 ambitions. Despite Roger Penske’s ownership of this iconic venue, his team’s luck in 2025 has been marked by setbacks, with tire failures costing both Austin Cindric and Joey Logano when they seemed poised for strong finishes.
Penske’s Season of Frustration at Indianapolis
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, long associated with Roger Penske, has proven an unforgiving battleground for Team Penske in 2025, regardless of the racing discipline. Earlier in May, the team endured a high-profile cheating scandal and a disappointing Indianapolis 500 outing, casting a shadow over their hopes. This pattern of challenges resurfaced during the NASCAR weekend.
Tire Failures Derail Cindric and Logano
Austin Cindric and Joey Logano, two key drivers for Team Penske, encountered near-identical problems as the Brickyard 400 unfolded. While leading the race on Lap 85, Cindric suffered a right-rear tire failure on the front straight, forcing him to limp his No. 2 Ford for a lengthy lap without a caution. Though ultimately he was able to receive the free pass and finish in 15th place, the tire issue stripped away any chance at a victory.
The misfortune didn’t spare Joey Logano either. Following the final round of green-flag pit stops, Logano would have cycled to the race lead if not for his own right-rear tire going flat on Lap 135. Although he was able to continue, Logano’s day ended after he was involved in a crash during NASCAR overtime, leaving him with an agonizing 32nd-place result.
Blaney Salvages Team Penske’s Day
Ryan Blaney, the reigning 2023 Cup Series champion, managed to break the string of bad luck, providing the lone highlight for Team Penske. He captured the win in Stage 2 and ultimately secured a seventh-place finish, bringing some relief to the team during an otherwise trying afternoon.
Looking Ahead for Team Penske
The persistent disappointments at their owner’s home track underline the real challenges facing Team Penske this season. With key figures like Austin Cindric and Joey Logano falling victim to critical tire failures, the pressure mounts for Roger Penske’s organization to rebound and correct course as the NASCAR Cup Series progresses. The team will need to address these reliability issues quickly to reestablish themselves among the frontrunners before the season’s end at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and beyond.
