As IndyCar aims for global expansion, commentator James Hinchcliffe has raised concerns about Roger Penske’s dual role in the sport, which he argues could be detrimental. This comes in the wake of a controversy surrounding cheating allegations involving Penske-owned cars just days before the Indianapolis 500.
During a recent episode of the Awful Announcing Podcast, Hinchcliffe discussed the implications of Penske’s ownership, which encompasses the NTT IndyCar Series, the prestigious Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and a top racing team in the series. He pointed out that no other professional sports league permits an owner to simultaneously manage the league and a team, arguing that this leads to significant questions regarding conflicts of interest.
Hinchcliffe expressed his belief that Penske should not maintain ownership of both the series and a competing team. He likened the situation to other major sports leagues, noting that leaders like Roger Goodell and Adam Silver do not own teams, which adds to the legitimacy of their respective leagues. He asserted that this dual ownership hinders IndyCar’s reputation on the global stage.
The controversy intensified when Penske-owned cars driven by Josef Newgarden and Will Power were found to have made illegal modifications ahead of the Indianapolis 500 qualifying. Initially, both drivers faced minor penalties, allowing them to retain their positions. However, the penalties were later increased, leading both cars to be demoted to the final two starting positions in the race.
In response to the scandal, Penske took immediate action by terminating three senior team members, emphasizing the importance of integrity within the sport.
Hinchcliffe’s critique of the ownership structure and subsequent penalties reflects a growing sentiment within the IndyCar community regarding fairness and consistency. As the Indianapolis 500 approaches, the focus will be on restoring trust and maintaining the sport’s integrity. The changes made by Penske may serve to address these challenges and reinforce the commitment to a fair competitive environment within IndyCar.
The podcast episode featuring Hinchcliffe includes discussions about a range of topics, from the Indianapolis 500 to his personal experiences and broader issues in racing, promising engaging insights for fans and followers of the sport.