Few figures in motorsports command the respect and influence of Roger Penske. Over decades, “The Captain” has built an unparalleled legacy as a team owner, businessman, and innovator, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in racing. Since acquiring IndyCar and the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2019, Penske has redefined the series. Known for his unwavering focus on growth and innovation, Penske continues to set bold goals for the sport. As the 2025 season approaches, Roger Penske has revealed his ambitious plans for the future of the sport.

His plans could bring a major shift to the series, aligning with his long-standing drive for innovation and excellence.

Roger Penske’s future plans for IndyCar

Ambitious goals have consistently marked Roger Penske’s leadership, and his latest revelation continues that trend. Speaking about IndyCar’s future, Penske emphasized the importance of growing the series’ engine manufacturer pool. He feels it’s important to complement the competitive racing environment. In a candid conversation with Tony Donohue he said, “Well, that’s one of my goals. I think we have two great Honda and Chevy, but we need to bring other ones. We’re talking to them now and I think the new engine, I guess technology that we’ll have with a hybrid as we get into 27 and 28, it’s going to attract other engine guys, and that’s my goal right now.”

IndyCar has relied on Chevrolet and Honda as its primary engine suppliers since Lotus left the series after 2012. While the collaboration between these two manufacturers has been fruitful, adding a third manufacturer has remained a priority. The introduction of hybrid engine technology in 2024 was a major step forward. By 2027, the series plans to implement a new engine formula, which Roger Penske believes will attract additional manufacturers to join.

Notably, an additional engine supplier will not only improve the competition but also manage the financial burden. Mark Miles, CEO of Penske Entertainment, echoed Penske’s optimism, stating that positive discussions with potential manufacturers are ongoing. He had said, “It’s very encouraging, both the extension of our existing partners, whose arrangements go through 2026 and the possibility of adding one or more new manufacturers.”

His comments reflect that Honda and Chevy are likely to continue their journey with IndyCar. Although IndyCar hasn’t given the specifics of who the engine manufacturers are, Hyundai and Toyota are expected to be the frontrunners. Both brands have established themselves in racing, with Hyundai developing their hybrid engine for the for rally cars, while Toyota has excelled with its hybrid engine at Le Mans.

If Toyota does indeed join IndyCar, it could resume a great rivalry with Honda. The rivalry between Toyota and Honda has always been at the forefront for both Japanese brands. In fact, back in the early 2000s, both manufacturers went head-to-head with each other until they left to focus on the NASCAR project. Now that the NASCAR project is well established and the stock car racing series possibly bringing in the hybrid engine in the coming years, the manufacturer’s return to IndyCar could still happen/

While Penske focuses on expanding IndyCar’s engine manufacturer pool, NASCAR is on a similar quest to add a fourth manufacturer to its lineup. Currently, NASCAR features Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota, but the departure of Dodge in 2012 left a notable void.  Recent reports suggest that Honda is the frontrunner to join NASCAR. Earlier, in 2024, NASCAR’s chief racing development officer John Probst had indicated that a new manufacturer could join within 18 to 24 months. The addition of Honda—or any other manufacturer—would mark a significant milestone for NASCAR.

Team Penske celebrates a major milestone

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Amid the ongoing discussions about additional engine manufacturers, Roger Penske celebrates a major achievement. At a recent ceremony at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, they honored Penske with the Championship Team Owner’s Trophy. The award celebrated Penske’s 20th Indianapolis 500 victory as a team owner.

The event also honored Josef Newgarden alongside Penske. At just 34 years old, the two-time Indy 500 champion has already etched his name in racing history. He received the coveted “Baby Borg” trophy during the same event for winning back-to-back Indy 500 races in 2023 and 2024. It is a feat achieved by only six drivers in the race’s storied history. During the ceremony, Newgarden reflected on the significance of his accomplishments.

“It’s incredible to stand alongside Roger Penske and realize I’ve had the privilege of driving for such a legend. Winning two Indy 500s for him, especially after he acquired the track, is something truly special,” Newgarden said. Apart from the trophy, the Team Penske driver also received an incentive of $440,000. As the 2025 season approaches, both Penske and Newgarden will be keen to continue their dominance.