Andretti Global has appointed Ron Ruzewski as the new Team Principal for its IndyCar and Indy NXT programs, marking a significant leadership change set to take effect in January 2026. This move comes amid heightened attention on Will Power IndyCar strategy, with Power himself joining Andretti Global from Team Penske after a long tenure, creating a reshaped dynamic in one of motorsport’s most competitive fields.
Ron Ruzewski’s Appointment Follows His Dismissal from Team Penske
Ron Ruzewski, previously the managing director and Will Power’s race strategist at Team Penske, was let go in May 2024 after the team’s involvement in a regulatory breach during the 109th Indianapolis 500 qualifying. Both the No. 2 and No. 12 Penske cars, driven by Josef Newgarden and Will Power, were found with illicit rear attenuator modifications, triggering suspensions of the strategists Tim Cindric and Ruzewski by IndyCar officials.
Subsequently, Team Penske was penalized with $100,000 fines per entry and forced to start at the back of the 33-car grid for the race. Roger Penske responded decisively by relieving Cindric, Ruzewski, and general manager Kyle Moyer from their positions. This shake-up paved the way for Ruzewski’s new appointment at Andretti Global.
Andretti Global Strengthens Leadership as Michael Andretti Steps Down
On September 24, 2024, Andretti Global officially announced Ruzewski’s signing, replacing Rob Edwards, who will take on the role of Chief Performance Officer at TWG Motorsports. Ruzewski’s arrival offers Andretti Global a wealth of leadership experience during a challenging transition period following Michael Andretti’s recent departure.
Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports, expressed optimism about the acquisition:
“We are thrilled to welcome Ron Ruzewski to the TWG Motorsports family as the new Team Principal of Andretti Global,” said Dan Towriss, CEO of TWG Motorsports. “Ron’s impressive and successful career in motorsports brings a new perspective to our INDYCAR and INDY NXT teams. I have full confidence he will position the team strongly as we continue to build for the future.”
Ruzewski’s Extensive Career and Role at Andretti Global
Ron Ruzewski began his longstanding association with Team Penske in 2005 as a race engineer, a role he held for eight years before advancing to technical director. Over nearly a decade in this capacity, he developed a deep knowledge of motorsports engineering and race strategy. Ultimately, he was appointed managing director, overseeing high-level team operations until his dismissal in 2024.
His new position at Andretti Global marks a critical step as the team aims to enhance its performance and continue pursuing Indy 500 victories and championship titles amid structural changes. According to Ruzewski:
“I’m truly excited to be joining Andretti Global and becoming part of such a respected and ambitious organization,” Ruzewski said in the press release. “Andretti Global’s legacy in motorsport speaks for itself, and the team’s vision for the future, under the leadership of Dan [Towriss] and Jill [Gregory], is equally inspiring.”
“I look forward to collaborating with the talented group of engineers, drivers and staff across the organization as we push to achieve new levels of performance and success in INDYCAR and across the broader Andretti family of teams.”
The Broader Impact on IndyCar Team Dynamics
Ruzewski’s signing neatly follows Andretti Global’s acquisition of Will Power, formerly of Team Penske, who will start racing for Andretti Global’s No. 26 Honda entry from 2026 onward. This pairing of Power with his former strategist suggests a strategic alignment aimed at maximizing competitive advantage as the team navigates a new leadership chapter.
Ruzewski is the second key figure from the disbanded Team Penske leadership group to secure a new role with rival teams in recent months. Arrow McLaren had earlier hired Kyle Moyer, another Penske executive dismissed after the Indy 500 controversy, as strategist for their No. 6 Chevrolet driven by Nolan Siegel, underscoring a broader reshuffling within IndyCar’s team structures.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities for Andretti Global
With Ron Ruzewski taking the helm in early 2026, Andretti Global intends to blend proven leadership with fresh ambition, capitalizing on the synergy between Ruzewski and Will Power. As the team builds towards its future campaigns in IndyCar and Indy NXT, its ability to rebound from recent setbacks and maintain competitive momentum will be crucial.
Dan Towriss’s commitment to strengthening the team signals a strategic shift that could reshape the competitive landscape, particularly as Andretti Global works to regain dominance in premier American open-wheel racing events. The forthcoming seasons are likely to test the effectiveness of these leadership changes amid evolving regulatory and competitive pressures.
