To call Roger Penske just a titan of motorsport wouldn’t be fair; he’s one of its greatest maestros, conducting an empire that continues to dominate in almost every form of racing it touches. The 87-year-old—celebrating his 59th year in the sport—is as relentless as the cars that carry his name, demanding excellence from his teams and orchestrating their triumphs with unmatched precision. His Porsche Penske Motorsport team kicked off the 2025 season by clinching a second consecutive overall victory at the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona, a testament to his extraordinary leadership. Yet, as the champagne flowed in victory lane, fans noticed something peculiar about ‘The Captain’—an unsettling calm that bordered on morose. For all the jubilance surrounding another Penske triumph, the man at the helm remained as stoic as ever.

Was it exhaustion from staying awake for the full 24 hours, sitting alongside his team on the pit wall? Or was it something deeper, a reflection of a man who’s long since redefined what winning means? The internet, as it does, had theories.

Dominance at Daytona: Porsche Penske strikes again

The 63rd running of the Daytona 24 Hours was a showcase of Penske perfection. The No. 7 Porsche 963, piloted by Felipe Nasr, Nick Tandy, and Laurens Vanthoor, delivered a masterclass in endurance racing, clinching victory after an intense battle in the closing hours. Their sister car, the No. 6 Porsche, completed a near-perfect 1-2 finish for the team, only for Tom Blomqvist’s Meyer Shank Racing Acura to spoil the party by claiming second.

Nasr’s decisive move to retake the lead in the final 22 minutes, coupled with impeccable strategy and execution, sealed the deal for Porsche Penske Motorsport. The race wasn’t without its challenges—the No. 7 battled wheel-to-wheel with BMW’s M Hybrid V8 and Acura’s ARX-06 late into Sunday morning. But Roger Penske’s relentless pursuit of perfection ensured his team emerged victorious.

“The feeling is amazing, just to see how much energy he brings into the team,” said Nasr of Penske’s involvement. “You get out of the car, he’s like, ‘How’s the car? How’s the handling?’ He’s very interested in every detail. He doesn’t miss a pit stop when the cars are coming in and making comments. I just have a lot of admiration for everything he does. It’s a very, very unique opportunity to be driving for Porsche Penske Motorsport here.”

That drive for detail and excellence has become Penske’s hallmark, and it’s why his empire spans successes in IndyCar, NASCAR, and endurance racing. Yet, for all the accolades, fans couldn’t help but notice that Penske’s reaction to this latest triumph was… muted.

The Emperor’s new groove: Fan reactions to Penske’s stoicism

While the Porsche Penske Motorsport team celebrated with jubilance, the internet zeroed in on Penske’s apparent lack of outward emotion. Reddit threads buzzed with speculation about the legendary owner’s demeanor, sparking a mix of humor and awe.

“The face of a man who just expects to win,” wrote one user. “Winning is not an achievement anymore. Anything other than winning is just a failure to meet an objective. That being said, go Porsche!” Another fan chimed in semi-jokingly, “Don’t know if there’s ever been a picture of Roger smiling.”

For some, Penske’s stoicism was a reflection of his professionalism. “Roger and Team Penske are literally working for Porsche. I think in his mind, this is little more than a successful business transaction,” one fan noted. Others speculated that fatigue played a role, referencing reports that Penske stays awake for the entirety of the grueling 24-hour race. “According to an ESPN article, he stays up the whole time with the team. So he might just be exhausted.”

Of course, there were those who took a lighter approach. “He’s thinking about how he needs to find more space on his shelf to cram another trophy,” joked a commenter. While another added, “The Emperor is pleased,” attaching a meme of Star War’s Emperor Palpatine.

Roger Penske’s demeanor is perhaps best understood in the context of his unparalleled career. With 20 Indianapolis 500 wins, multiple NASCAR titles, and now back-to-back victories at Daytona, he’s achieved more than most could dream of. For Penske, winning isn’t a moment of elation—it’s the expected outcome of meticulous preparation and execution.

Yet, for fans, this unshakable calm remains both awe-inspiring and enigmatic. Is it the weight of his legacy that keeps his emotions in check, or simply the focus of a man who’s already thinking about the next race, the next challenge?

As Penske’s drivers lifted their Rolex watches in celebration, it was clear that the man behind the curtain had once again orchestrated a masterpiece. And while the fans might wish for a glimpse of joy or a crack in the armor, perhaps Penske’s stoicism is his way of reminding the world that for him, the journey—and the relentless pursuit of excellence—is the real victory.