Roger Penske

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Lore & Background

Penske Racing began its NASCAR journey with a focus on long-term development. For years, the team operated with significant resources but sought that elusive first Cup victory. The breakthrough arrived in late 2014 when the organization expanded its global reach by taking a 51% stake in Australian V8 Supercars team Dick Johnson Racing, forming DJR Team Penske. This move showcased Penske's willingness to innovate across racing series. Back in the US, the team celebrated its 500th race victory as an owner on September 16, 2018, when Brad Keselowski won the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. That season concluded with Joey Logano securing the second Cup championship for the organization. The team's culture is defined by high standards; Penske himself remains deeply involved in team operations as the owner, overseeing strategy and management across all series, but does not serve as a race strategist for any driver.

In Their Own Story

The path to NASCAR dominance was paved with specific milestones. Brad Keselowski became the face of this success, driving to the 2012 Sprint Cup Championship on November 18. His aggressive style fit perfectly with Penske's corporate structure. Years later, on September 16, 2018, Keselowski delivered another historic moment by winning the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, marking the team's 500th victory across all racing series. Later that same season, driver Joey Logano clinched the championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway, giving Penske his second Cup title. The organization also expanded internationally in late 2014 by acquiring a majority stake in Dick Johnson Racing. This new DJR Team Penske fielded cars for drivers like Marcos Ambrose and Scott McLaughlin, winning the Bathurst 1000 in 2019. These achievements highlight how the team leveraged its resources to dominate multiple racing environments.

Reader's Guide

For fans tracking the championship history, two specific seasons define the modern era. The first came on November 18, 2012, when Brad Keselowski won the Sprint Cup Series title. This victory ended a long wait for the organization's top honor in NASCAR. The second major triumph occurred later in the decade when Joey Logano secured the championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Additionally, the team reached a massive milestone on September 16, 2018, with Brad Keselowski's win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, which represented the 500th race victory for Penske as an owner across all series. The team also found success abroad; in 2019, DJR Team Penske won the Bathurst 1000, its biggest race of the year. These moments illustrate the breadth of Penske's success, from domestic Cup dominance to international endurance racing wins.

Did You Know?

• Roger Penske received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Donald Trump in 2019.
• Penske Racing achieved its 500th race victory as an owner on September 16, 2018, with Brad Keselowski winning at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
• On November 4, 2019, Penske acquired the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IndyCar from the Hulman family.
• Penske won his second NASCAR Cup Series championship when Joey Logano clinched the title at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2018.
• Joey Logano won the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series championship for Team Penske.