There is always debate surrounding which is better, IndyCar or Formula One. While both utilize open-wheel, single-seater cars, there are vast differences between the two. However, Formula One is more popular than IndyCar due to its global reach. Formula One races worldwide, whereas IndyCar is predominantly based in the United States. Nevertheless, ongoing efforts aim to elevate IndyCar to a similar level of prominence as F1.

Recently, Roger Penske, the owner of IndyCar and Team Penske, has revealed a new track in the 2026 NTT IndyCar lineup. This, according to Penske, will do wonders for the sport. In his statement, he said, “We’re going to build racing’s next global spectacle.” However, while making the announcement, the Penske team owner might have gone a little overboard. What could have been a good quote has now been subject to endless trolling.

Did Roger Penske get carried away while making the new announcement?

The Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently announced that he is eager to bring IndyCar to their home. Jones is set to partner with Penske along with Texas Rangers of the Major League Baseball, to hold the inaugural IndyCar race in March 2026. The race would be held in Arlington around the AT&T stadium, which is the home stadium of the Cowboys. The track would also cover the Ranger’s stadium, Globe Life Field. In a unique way three top American sports, racing, football, and baseball, are coming together.

Jones, while making the announcement said, “An event of this magnitude is another great reflection of what we imagined over 15 years ago that AT&T Stadium could be a part of.” Surely this is to benefit IndyCar, thanks to the growing popularity of open-wheel racing in the US and especially in Texas. This is because of the large crowds that come to see the F1 US Grand Prix held in Texas. Roger Penske, on the other hand, believes in the uniqueness of IndyCar, which would be enough to make the event popular.

On this, he said, “We’re growing at a rate we feel good about it. Our TV ratings were up. Obviously, the tracks have made more money this past year. So we’re looking at the basics. We’re not NFL; we’re not trying to be. We’re not trying to be Formula 1. We think we’ve got the most sophisticated cars, we have this diversity from the standpoint of the tracks we run on, and we need to stay in our lane because this world is big.” 

Fans largely resonate with most of the quotes talking about the individuality of IndyCar. But the “most sophisticated car” part is what has put them off. It is a known fact in the IndyCar community that the car is anything but sophisticated. Many drivers and team owners have voiced their opinions, calling the car outdated and urging the authorities for a car update. Like Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward had previously said, “It’s annoying that this new era of engine isn’t coming with a new car because we desperately need it. We desperately need a new car before we need a new engine, in my opinion.”

This is primarily why fans were puzzled after Penske called the current car – the most sophisticated!

“Sophisticated” Claims Backfire as Fans Roast Roger Penske

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The IndyCar series is still using the same fundamental race car design that was introduced in 2012. The basic structure and specifications of the Dallara chassis have remained largely unchanged. The Dallara IR12, also known as the DW12 in tribute to Dan Wheldon, was first used in IndyCar races in 2012. The car underwent a major update in 2018, adopting the universal aero kit and being renamed the IR18. This is basically why fans found Penske’s comments hysterical. A fan wrote, “He lost me at “most sophisticated cars” 😂😂😂”

Since IndyCar also races on Ovals, unlike F1, it’s paramount to ensure the safety of the car. Well, IndyCar has done a good job in upgrading safety when they added a protective aero screen in 2020. However, the base car has remained the same. Another fan echoing the same emotion said, “Sophisticated cars?? 🥴” 

Team Penske is one of the most successful teams in the history of the sport. The team has bagged 17 championships so far. Perhaps that is the reason Penske doesn’t think there is a need for a change. A fan took a sarcastic jibe at Roger Penske as he wrote, “What is Roger trying to say here? Can someone translate?” However, there have been talks about a new chassis succeeding the DW12. According to Penske Entertainment president and CEO Mark Miles, a new car could be ready by 2027.

Despite that, the troll train hasn’t stopped. 2027 means the same chassis has been used for 15 years. This is a long time and yet there is no guarantee that a new car will feature in 2027. A fan believes even the 2012 model was way behind its time. The fan wrote, “They weren’t the most sophisticated cars when they were new 10 years ago…”

What makes fans even more upset is that other Motorsports are constantly upgrading. Like look at NASCAR, they went from the Gen-6 car to the next-gen car in the same time span as IndyCar. Even Formula Racing’s lower division, F2 has undergone more changes than IndyCar. A fan making a comparison with other Motorsports pinpointed when IndyCar lacks. He wrote, “Most sophisticated? No. WEC/IMSA is. Most diversity? No. NASCAR is as diverse. There is nothing special about IndyCar. It’s a snooze fest. Stay in their lane? (expletive), they need to make a new lane!!!!” 

What do you think about Roger Penske’s comments? Let us know in the comments below.