Penske Drops Tim Cindric and 2 Executives Over Rules Breach

Team Penske has made sweeping changes after an Indy 500 qualifying scandal rocked their organization. On May 21, Roger Penske confirmed that three key members would be leaving the team.

Tim Cindric, team president since 2006 and with the company for over 26 years, is stepping away. Cindric not only led Team Penske’s IndyCar program but had also been the chief race strategist for Josef Newgarden, one of the team’s champion drivers.

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His son, Austin, currently races in the NASCAR Cup Series for Penske and earned a playoff spot this season after winning at Talladega in 2025. Along with Cindric, managing director Ron Ruzewski and general manager Kyle Moyer were also let go.

Ruzewski had been with Penske for 21 years and was recently acting as Will Power’s race strategist. Moyer had served in various leadership positions for 11 years.

The changes follow a series of penalties handed down after IndyCar officials discovered push-to-pass modifications and improper qualifying procedures. Both Newgarden and Power’s Indy 500 entries were moved to the rear of the field as a result. The severity of the penalty drew significant attention across the racing community.

In total, Team Penske was fined $200,000, and both race strategists received suspensions as part of IndyCar’s response. Roger Penske issued a public apology, saying, “Nothing is more important than the integrity of our sport and our race teams.” For more on the importance of integrity in motorsports, see the FIA’s official stance on sporting ethics.

“We have had organizational failures during the last two years, and we had to make necessary changes.” He also apologized to fans and partners for failing to uphold the high standards expected at Penske Racing.

The fallout has hit close to home for Penske, who has owned the IndyCar Series since 2019 and built his name around racing excellence for decades. This isn’t the first time Team Penske has faced rule violations in recent years.

In 2024, the team already dealt with infractions tied to push-to-pass use at St. Petersburg. The latest incident has prompted IndyCar leadership to comment on the seriousness of the breach, especially after Team Penske’s cars were found to fail inspection. For a deeper understanding of IndyCar’s technical regulations, visit the official IndyCar rulebook.

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IndyCar president Doug Boles called the events “devastating” for Roger Penske, stressing how much the situation affects the entire paddock and the team’s reputation. While the team prepares for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500, Penske’s statement noted that more personnel changes and staffing updates are expected soon.

Replacement announcements are anticipated as Team Penske works to steady the program and meet race-day requirements. The changes come during a pivotal stretch in the IndyCar schedule, as teams and drivers gear up for one of the largest events in motorsport. Learn more about the history of the Indianapolis 500 and its significance in racing.

Team Penske, a staple of American racing history, finds itself at a rare crossroads as it rebuilds after these prominent departures. For fans, racers, and partners alike, the next steps for the organization will be closely watched as the city of Indianapolis hosts another memorable race week. For further insights into Team Penske’s legacy, explore the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.