"I think Rick feels the same way" - When Roger Penske reflected on what drives him to work daily, similar to Hendrick's approach

Four years ago, NASCAR team owner Roger Penske shared what motivates him to keep working hard after his consistent success over the years.

Penske is the chairman of the Penske Corporation, the parent company of one of NASCAR's most successful teams, Team Penske. The team debuted in 1966 and earned its third straight Cup Series championship this season.

In an episode of The Dale Jr. Download podcast in April 2020, $6.9B-worth Penske (according to Forbes) explained that his drive comes from the people he works with. He also mentioned Rick Hendrick as an influence.

"Good work people working for us worldwide today, and just the fact I’ve got to worry about those people under these circumstances—that’s the reason I come in every day. This race team has built our brand on a worldwide basis, and the success we have is bred through the entire organization. It’s given us the opportunity to bring a lot of young people up, maybe not in a race car, but in a car dealership, rental counter, or truck dealerships. I think Rick [Henrick] feels the same way," Penske said (00:50).

He also talked about how racing and business provide challenges that help him stay focused.

"But the relationships that have spawned from the business, from the racing side into my business, have been amazing. I think there’s always tension, there’s always something in racing or in business that keeps your head on. I think that’s helped me at my age to stay focused and want to be a winner," he added (01:15).

The 87-year-old businessman has not stopped since that talk in 2020 and continues to make big investments in the industry. Penske acquired the popular NTT IndyCar Series event, Grand Prix of Long Beach, last month.

"My grandchildren learn their numbers by looking at the race cars" - Roger Penske on expanding his motorsports portfolio

Roger Penske also owns IndyCar and has 17 championships in the series. He bought the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2019.

In the same episode, when asked why he expanded his business by buying an entire racing series and one of the most popular speedways in the US, Penske responded:

"Look, I love what I’m doing. I’m motivated. My wife of 46 years continues to support me, along with my 13 grandchildren. To me, my grandchildren learn their numbers by looking at the race cars on the racetrack." (02:50)

Penske is also only the third team owner after Junior Johnson and Rick Hendrick to win three NASCAR Cup titles in a row.