Some would say that Roger Penske made the biggest mistake of his life by buying IndyCar before the 2020 season. Those people aren’t seeing the fact that this Penske is basically the only person on the planet who could be in the ownership of that league in these times and still make the whole thing work. So while he is certainly feeling short term pain with the race moves, cancellations, lack of fans in the stands, and other headwinds, there’s no one else who could help the company weather it like he can. Money is one thing, leadership is another, and guts is a third and final separate category. He has all three and those are all being exhibited these days.
The money part comes in the form of his ability to float financial decisions like running the July 4th NASCAR/IndyCar double header without any fans in the stands. It’s a tough pill to swallow but it allows Penske to play the long game and not jeopardize the August date for the Indy 500 by having problems in July. We’re not sure previous management/ownership could have to would have been willing to do this.
Gut is standing in there and telling the world that the only way the race is going to be run is with fans and that is what he does in the really good Robin Miller story linked below. This is not a man prone to getting mealy mouthed in big moments and he is not here. Definitive and clear, the Indy 500 will only happen if everyone who wants to come can come.
There’s no questioning the man’s leadership on the track or away from it so that basically goes without saying. It is also why he is the perfect man for the job in the times we’re in right now. Anyone less may fold under the pressure. Penske? He seems to thrive on it. Read the Miller piece below. It is great.
Racer.com – Penske on running the Brickyard with no fans and Indy 500 only with them
There seems to be a run on cowardice right now (Drew Brees his wife and countless others) so an example of courage is welcome.
This plandemic is beyond ridiculous. I’m stunned at the number of people still buying into the panic. Numerous articles abound about mask wearing not being beneficial for gealthy adults and even possibly damaging but yet everywhere I go I see people in masks. I’m glad Roger Penske is doing this and if the “woke” crowd starts in on him I hope he tells them to get bent. Run the race Roger and help awaken the American public!
Sounds good. i love you Drew Brees
Since 1982 we have driven to the 500 every year from Tucson, Arizona. We’ll be there this year no matter what. And we won’t be wearing any stupid mask.
So glad Mr. Penske owns IMS and INDYCAR.
I’m glad Roger Penske is doing this and if the “woke” crowd starts in on him I hope he tells them to get bent. Run the race Roger and help awaken the American public!