Team Penske has taken decisive action by dismissing three top executives following a significant rules violation ahead of the 2025 Indianapolis 500. Team President Tim Cindric, Managing Director Ron Ruzewski, and General Manager Kyle Moyer were all relieved of their duties after illegal modifications were discovered on the rear attenuators of cars driven by Josef Newgarden and Will Power. These alterations, which breached IndyCar regulations, resulted in both drivers being penalized and starting from the back of the grid. The team also faced substantial fines and suspensions for the involved strategists.
The controversy centers on the rear attenuator, a safety component designed to absorb impact during crashes. IndyCar mandates that this part remains unmodified to ensure driver safety. However, inspections revealed that the attenuators on Newgarden’s and Power’s cars had been smoothed and altered, potentially compromising their integrity. While some argue these changes were cosmetic, the modifications violated clear technical regulations. As a result, both drivers were fined $100,000, lost their qualifying points, and were moved to the 32nd and 33rd starting positions, respectively.
This incident marks the second consecutive year that Team Penske has faced penalties for rule infractions. In 2024, the team was sanctioned for unauthorized use of the push-to-pass system, leading to the loss of a race victory. The recurrence of such violations has raised concerns about the team’s adherence to regulations and the effectiveness of internal oversight. Roger Penske, who owns the team, IndyCar, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, acknowledged these organizational failures and emphasized the need for integrity in the sport.
The firings have sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, given the prominence of the individuals involved. Tim Cindric had been with Team Penske since 1999 and played a pivotal role in its successes across various racing series. Ron Ruzewski and Kyle Moyer also held significant positions within the team, contributing to its strategic and operational decisions. Their departures underscore the seriousness with which the organization is addressing the breach.
IndyCar officials have also faced scrutiny for not detecting the illegal modifications sooner. Reports suggest that the altered attenuators had been in use for over a year before being identified, raising questions about the thoroughness of technical inspections. IndyCar President Doug Boles admitted that the oversight was a significant lapse and emphasized the need for more rigorous checks to uphold the sport’s standards.
As the 2025 Indianapolis 500 approaches, Team Penske is working to restore its reputation and ensure compliance with all regulations. The organization has pledged to implement stricter internal controls and cooperate fully with IndyCar authorities. Meanwhile, drivers Josef Newgarden and Will Power face the challenge of competing from the back of the grid, aiming to overcome the setbacks and focus on racing performance. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of integrity and adherence to rules in maintaining the credibility of motorsports.