It’s emotional watching underdogs scrap, but the stats don’t lie; after multi-car teams became the norm, they’ve owned the Cup with every champ since the ‘90s has come from one. Penske’s 147 wins and Hendrick’s record haul have made it a rich-get-richer game. And while it’s no secret that stock car racing leans on its heavy hitters, big-budget teams, and even bigger names, NASCAR especially sees its behemoths not just racing, but ruling the track.

Basically, money’s the fuel here, and top teams have budgets that dwarf the little guys. Hendrick, valued at over $315 million back in 2019, can pour cash into tech, talent, and testing. They’ve got engineers like an army, enough to outsmart any glitch. Joe Gibbs Racing and Team Penske aren’t far behind, with deep pockets from sponsors like Toyota and Ford. That cash buys state-of-the-art facilities, wind tunnels, and simulation software. Smaller teams are lucky to scrape by with a decent engine alliance, often leaning on giants like Richard Childress Racing just to stay competitive. And hearing this harsh truth from Josef Newgarden, a guy who’s tasted victory on IndyCar’s level playing field, hits differently. It’s personal; it’s a challenge; and it’s got people buzzing from all over.

NASCAR needs to bring some relief to the smaller teams

Resources stack the deck too. Multi-car teams, capped at four, share data across their stables. If one car’s flying, the others learn why. One-car outfits like Wood Brothers Racing don’t have that luxury, their notebook’s thin. Alliances help, but when push comes to shove, the big teams keep the best tricks in-house. Add manufacturer muscle with Toyota’s spending ruffling feathers since 2008 and the gap keeps widening. Ford’s Mustang Dark Horse and Chevy’s Camaro ZL1 are beasts, but only the top players wield them right. And with this inequality in mind, Josef Newgarden isn’t holding back.

The IndyCar champ, fresh off back-to-back Indy 500 wins, dropped a truth bomb that’s got everyone talking. Newgarden said: “You’re not going to find a series that has better parity at this high of a level… being the lowest budget team and still fight for the win at the Indianapolis 500 or the win at Barber here. That is not the case in Formula One. It’s more of a manufacturer’s championship. And certainly in NASCAR, I think you’re a little more top heavy from a parity standpoint across the field.”

IndyCar’s a battleground where grit can outshine cash. He’s raced with Team Penske, sure, but he’s seen the little guys scrap their way to the front. At Indy or Barber Motorsports Park, it’s not just about who’s got the deepest pockets it’s about who’s got the heart. Compare that to Formula One; money and tech rule there, not simply a driver’s guts and skill. And with NASCAR we already know the whole issue.

Plus, this isn’t just some random jab, for Newgarden’s got the credentials to back it up. In May 2024, he clinched his second straight Indy 500, handing Roger Penske a record-extending 20th win at the Brickyard. They celebrated together in January 2025, clutching their Baby Borg trophies, a moment that cemented their dominance. But Newgarden’s not resting on laurels; he’s calling out the competition, and NASCAR’s taking the brunt of it.

Penske’s superstar isn’t just talking smack, though. He’s living the dream under a boss who knows how to win. Roger Penske’s empire stretches across motorsports, and Newgarden’s his golden ticket in IndyCar. Their 2024 Indy 500 triumph wasn’t luck, it was proof of what Newgarden’s preaching. Even with LeBron James’ agent, Rich Paul, swooping in with a $120 million deal to partner with Penske’s racing star, Newgarden knows how to keep it grounded while setting realistic expectations amid the hype. “I believe it, it’s a dream wish,” he said. He’s not dazzled by the glitz but focused on the fight.

NASCAR’s not going to take this lying down. They’ll argue their parity’s improving, that their stars earn it. F1 might shrug off these claims too as they’re too busy counting their manufacturer bucks. Roger Penske’s superstar has spoken and the racing world will soon need to give some serious attention. Parity, heart, and a little defiance is what gives IndyCar the edge.

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Roger Penske is also a straight shooter

Roger Penske doesn’t mince words. Back in 2017, the racing titan took a hard look at Elon Musk’s Tesla and didn’t like what he saw. “Tesla has done a really good car, but I wonder about their distribution model,” he said. “They want to go direct, so my concern is about captive financing because when business goes bad, the banks go away.” It’s coming from a guy who’s built an empire on knowing what works. Penske wasn’t just throwing light, he was speaking from decades of grinding it out in the auto world, where he’s seen giants like Ford lean on financing to survive tough times. And he wasn’t sold on Tesla’s bold moves.

Fast forward to today, and Penske’s still the king of both straight talk and racing. His Team Penske legacy is unreal. Joey Logano just overtook Brad Keselowski for second on the team’s all-time starts list at Phoenix Raceway, clocking in at 510 races. Rusty Wallace still leads with 553, but Logano’s three Cup titles, with his latest in 2024, keep Penske’s trophy case packed. The man’s got 20 Indy 500 wins, six NASCAR championships, and a roster of legends like Rick Mears and Helio Castroneves. It’s not just numbers, it’s obsession to win.

Penske’s not afraid to call it like he sees it, whether it’s Tesla’s risks or racing’s grind. “IndyCar is where my heart is because that’s where we got started,” he said in 2017. Penske’s a force to be reckoned with—tough, real, and always in the driver’s seat. That passion is why he’s still the Captain.