Ryan Blaney, reflecting on his third victory of the NASCAR season at New Hampshire, shared insights into how Team Penske maintains internal unity while drivers compete intensely. During a visit to Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Dirty Mo Media studio, Blaney detailed the strong teamwork and communication that set his organization apart as a leading NASCAR contender. This synergy has contributed greatly to the team’s reputation, especially as the reigning champion in a highly competitive racing environment.
Team Penske, under the ownership of Roger Penske, has grown into a powerhouse rivaling Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing. Over recent years, their sustained success, including three consecutive championships, underscores their effective internal strategy. Blaney emphasized the quality of collaboration within the team and its affiliates, such as Wood Brothers Racing, which helps drivers perform at their best despite competing for top positions.
When Dale Earnhardt Jr. asked how drivers maintain cooperation even while battling aggressively in races, particularly in finals like the one at Phoenix, Blaney highlighted the advanced communication network within the team.
“I think our team, all of Team Penske and Wood Brothers Racing, we work better together than anybody else. I feel our communication line from the drivers, engineers, crew chiefs is 10 times better than everybody else,”
Blaney explained.
Blaney also reflected on his experience racing closely with teammate Joey Logano during the previous championship showdown at Phoenix, underscoring how they worked collaboratively despite competing for the same title.
“Joey and I raced for the championship last year at Phoenix. We had the same comp meetings and discussions, and tried to figure out how we were both going to be better,”
he said.
Roger Penske’s Leadership Philosophy: Prioritizing Team Success Over Individual Glory
Blaney attributed much of Team Penske’s harmony to the philosophy instilled by Roger Penske himself. According to Blaney, Penske’s focus is not on which driver finishes first but rather on ensuring the team secures top finishes.
“Roger doesn’t care who runs first or second. He just wants to run first and second. That’s just how it’s always been,”
Blaney said, highlighting the team-first mindset encouraged throughout the organization.
Despite this, Blaney noted that the team operates without any formal team orders dictating race outcomes. Instead, Penske’s main rule is that drivers avoid reckless behavior that could jeopardize team results.
“There’s never any team orders, ever. The only thing that Roger [Penske] has ever said is just don’t wreck each other like trying to win the race. Don’t be foolish and be running one and two just to wreck each in the pursuit of first and second,”
Blaney added.
Current Standings and the Road Ahead for Team Penske Drivers
While Blaney advances confidently, having already secured his spot for the next playoff round, his teammates face a tightening race. Joe Logano currently sits sixth in the playoff standings, and Austin Cindric holds tenth place, both fighting to remain contenders in the closing stages of the championship. Their performances in upcoming races will be crucial for Team Penske’s continued pursuit of another NASCAR title.
This internal balance between rivalry and collaboration underpins why Team Penske remains a dominant force in the sport, combining strategic communication with a leadership style that prioritizes overall success. As the NASCAR season progresses, how the drivers maintain this equilibrium could determine whether the team extends its championship legacy.
