Ryan Blaney has expressed unwavering support for Roger Penske following the dismissal of three senior officials from Team Penske due to a cheating scandal in IndyCar. The events unfolded just days after the 2025 Indy 500 qualifying rounds, and Blaney, speaking on May 25 after qualifying for the Coca-Cola 600, emphasized the importance of Penske’s leadership during the controversy.
The scandal emerged when illegal modifications were discovered on two Team Penske cars during a pre-qualifying inspection on May 18. Officials confirmed unauthorized alterations to the rear attenuators—critical safety components designed to absorb impacts—on the vehicles driven by Josef Newgarden, the defending Indy 500 champion, and teammate Will Power. This violation of IndyCar rule 14.7.8.16 led to both drivers being penalized and repositioned to the back of the starting field in 32nd and 33rd places, respectively.
As the fallout continued, Team Penske President Tim Cindric, Managing Director Ron Ruzewski, and General Manager Kyle Moyer were removed from their positions. Despite his close working relationship with Cindric, Blaney reaffirmed his loyalty to Penske, who remains at the center of the organization’s response to the scandal.
“Roger’s our leader, we follow him no matter where he goes,”
Blaney said (via Frontstretch).
“I’m going to have Roger’s back every single time, no matter what situation… I talk to him every single week, but you know, when something like that happens, he wants to come fly down to Charlotte, have a meeting with everybody, just kind of give us an understanding of his mindset…”
(2:30 onwards)
“So I mean, that’s just kind of the leader you want, right? Someone who is in it with you is a very open book as far as how he’s feeling, and things like that. So as someone who works for them and drives for them, I expect nothing less because that’s just the type of person that Roger is and always has been,”
Ryan Blaney added.
Following the disruption in IndyCar, Blaney is focusing on his upcoming challenge at the Coca-Cola 600, which will take place at Charlotte Motor Speedway. After an underwhelming qualifying session that left him starting 21st, Blaney remains determined to add another victory to his record at this prestigious event.
Ryan Blaney’s Chase for Another Victory at the Coca-Cola 600
Blaney is set to compete in the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, a race he previously won in 2023, ending a 59-race drought that preceded his NASCAR Cup Series championship that year. Currently ranked fifth in the overall Cup standings, Blaney has not yet secured a guaranteed spot in the playoffs, making strong performances in remaining races crucial.
The Coca-Cola 600 holds personal significance for Blaney, who grew up attending races at Charlotte with his father, Dave Blaney, a former driver at the same track. The Memorial Day weekend event remains a highlight on the NASCAR calendar due to its length and endurance challenge.
“It’s a cool race to win, man,”
Blaney stated (via Forbes.com).
“…It was always special, Memorial Day weekend, being able to just be around the racetrack and things like that, and what the weekend means. For that race, it’s super rewarding to win it because it’s the longest race we have.”
“It’s a long night, you’re in that thing, stressing it out for four-plus hours and just mentally, stay in it for 600 miles… If you can do it, if you can outlast everybody and just outperform everybody over a long stretch that night, it’s a fun weekend. I’m inching for another one, hopefully we can do it,”
he added.
The grueling 600-mile race on the Charlotte oval is scheduled to begin at 6:00 pm Eastern Time.
Team Penske Faces Challenges Amid Frontline Leadership Changes
The removal of Tim Cindric, Ron Ruzewski, and Kyle Moyer marks a significant upheaval for Team Penske, one of the most established organizations in American motorsports. The discovery of illegal parts during routine inspections highlights the ongoing pressures within competitive racing environments to gain any possible advantage.
With leadership shifts occurring so close to key NASCAR and IndyCar events, Team Penske’s ability to maintain cohesion on and off the track will be closely watched. Roger Penske’s personal involvement in meeting with the team and addressing the situation reflects his hands-on leadership style and commitment to transparency.
Implications for the Future of Team Penske and Ryan Blaney’s Career
Ryan Blaney’s steadfast support of Roger Penske amid the scandal underscores the deep trust and respect he holds for the team owner. This loyalty comes at a pivotal moment as Blaney battles to remain a strong contender in the NASCAR Cup Series.
The upcoming races, including the high-profile Coca-Cola 600, will serve as a test of resilience for Blaney and Team Penske. Maintaining focus and performance despite recent distractions could determine their trajectory in a tightly contested season.
As the motorsport world watches closely, the outcomes at Charlotte and beyond will reveal how Team Penske navigates the aftermath of the scandal, while Blaney aims to secure vital victories on the road to the playoffs.
