Team Penske announces leadership departures over ‘organizational failures’

INDIANAPOLIS — Citing “organizational failures,” Team Penske announced multiple departures from the organization, including the president of Team Penske IndyCar operations, Tim Cindric.

Cindric isn’t alone in being shown the door by Team Penske. The organization announced on Wednesday that IndyCar Managing Director Ron Ruzewski and IndyCar General Manager Kyle Moyer are also departing the organization. These personnel changes come just days after two Team Penske drivers were sent to the back of the Indy 500 starting grid after failing inspections.

“Nothing is more important than the integrity of our sport and our race teams,” said Roger Penske, owner of Team Penske. “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.”

On Monday, two Team Penske drivers were moved to the back of the Indianapolis 500 starting field after their cars failed inspection during Sunday’s qualifying. Josef Newgarden and Will Power will be starting dead last after IndyCar said modified attenuators were found on their cars, a violation of IndyCar rules.

In addition to moving the cars back, IndyCar suspended the team strategists for the Nos. 2 and 12 for the remainder of the Indianapolis 500. Both cars will forfeit qualification points and each entry has been fined $100,000.

Team Penske did not argue against the penalties.

“We are disappointed by the results and the impact it has on our organization,” Team Penske said on Monday.

Team Penske said further announcements will be made this week regarding personnel and replacements for this weekend’s Indianapolis 500.