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Penske suspends Cindric and other senior employees over IndyCar scandal

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This includes his right-hand man Tim Cindric, who is president of all of his racing operations, as well as long-time general manager Ron Ruzewski. A total of four people were banned from the next two races – including the Indianapolis 500.

“I recognize the magnitude of what happened and the impact it continues to have on the sport to which I have dedicated so many decades,” Penske said. “Everyone at Team Penske, as well as our fans and business partners, should know that I apologize and deeply regret the mistakes made.”
Team Penske’s integrity was questioned by the paddock after IndyCar officials disqualified St. Petersburg race winner Josef Newgarden and third-place finisher Scott McLaughlin for illegal use of the push-to-pass system in the season opener last month.

Her teammate Will Power’s car also had the same software, the result of a coding change during hybrid testing, which was not removed at the start of the 2024 season, but data shows he did not use it in an unlawful manner. He was still deducted 10 points, while all three were fined $25,000 each and forfeited their prize money.

The violation was only discovered last weekend in Long Beach and the disqualifications were issued 45 days after the event.

After a comprehensive internal investigation into the incident, during which many in the paddock unofficially stated that they did not believe statements made about the circumstances of the situation, Penske has now responded.

Newgarden’s race engineer Luke Mason, the man he gave great credit for his 2023 Indy 500 success, and a senior data engineer are also suspended for two races. He will have to miss both as he tries to defend his Indy 500 title.

Josef Newgarden, Team Penske Chevrolet

Josef Newgarden, Team Penske Chevrolet

Photo by: Josh Tons / Motorsport Images

A statement from Penske said: “Following the penalties imposed on the Team Penske INDYCAR team and drivers after Long Beach, Team Penske has completed an internal review.

“After a complete and comprehensive analysis of the information, Team Penske determined that there were significant errors in our processes and internal communications. As a result, Luke Mason (#2 Race Engineer) and Robbie Atkinson (Senior Data Engineer) are suspended from Team Penske for the next two INDYCAR races, including the Indianapolis 500.

“In addition, Ron Ruzewski (General Manager, Team Penske INDYCAR) and Tim Cindric (President of Team Penske), who is responsible for overall Team Penske operations, will also be suspended for these two races.”

Cindric posted his own statement on Team Penske’s

“It is our responsibility to provide the team and all of our drivers with the right processes to ensure that something like this cannot happen. For this I apologize to Roger, our team and everyone who supports us.”

He added: “Our most important job is to protect and strengthen the reputation of our brand and those who support us.” In this regard, I have failed as an overall leader and must raise my hand and be accountable to the others.

“This is a team, and in my position it’s the right thing to do.”

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