How Roger Penske got his start in racing? All you need to know

Team Penske owner Roger Penske is one of the most influential figures in motorsports, celebrated for his unparalleled success as a team owner and businessman. Known as “The Captain," his name is synonymous with racing dominance. Penske’s racing journey began as a driver, setting the foundation for his legendary career.

Penske entered the racing scene as a driver in the 1950s and 1960s, competing in hillclimbs and road course races in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA). He quickly made a name when he made his first professional racing start at the now-abandoned Maryland’s Marlboro Motor Raceway.

By the early 1960s, the Shaker Heights, Ohio, native had transitioned to high-profile racing series. In 1961, he earned the title of Sports Illustrated’s SCCA Driver of the Year. He competed in prestigious events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the two Formula One Grand Prix.

Roger Penske retired from racing in 1965 at the age of 28 to focus on business and team management, believing he could make a greater impact as a team owner and entrepreneur.

---

Roger Penske transitions from driver to team owner

Roger Penske’s decision to step away from racing marked the beginning of his transformation from driver to team owner, a move that would redefine his legacy. His first foray into team ownership came in 1966, when he founded Team Penske. Under his leadership, Team Penske has amassed a staggering number of victories in IndyCar and NASCAR.

Team Penske initially competed in sports car racing before moving into NASCAR and IndyCar Series, where his team has achieved significant success, including multiple Indianapolis 500 victories. As a team owner, he won 20 prestigious Indianapolis 500s. He is considered one of the most successful team owners in IndyCar and NASCAR.

The 87-year-old former driver won his first NASCAR Cup Series championship with Brad Keselowski in 2012. The team crossed their 500th race victory mark when Keselowski took the checkered flag at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2018. Later the same season. Joey Logano won his first Cup championship, giving Penske his second NASCAR title.

Penske is a five-time NASCAR Cup champion as an owner, including three consecutive titles in the Next Gen era, becoming the only team to do so. He also clinched six IndyCar Series titles as owner in 2006, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2022.

He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America and NASCAR Hall of Fame in 1995 and 2019, respectively.