IndyCar driver Scott McLaughlin recently revealed exclusive footage from the Road America race weekend, where series owner Roger Penske expressed admiration for the NFL during a conversation with running back Josh Jacobs. This interaction took place at the 4.048-mile circuit on June 22, when Jacobs was invited as a guest to the XPEL Grand Prix.
Jacobs, who plays for the Green Bay Packers and is viewed as a strong candidate for Offensive Player of the Year in 2025, had the honor of starting the race by taking the “Fastest Seat in Sport” to send the 27-car field to green. McLaughlin, driving for Team Penske himself, finished twelfth that day and later shared the previously unseen exchange in a YouTube vlog.
Roger Penske’s View on the NFL and Athleticism
During the candid moment with Jacobs, the 88-year-old Penske praised the NFL’s remarkable scale and the athletes’ physical prowess. He described the league as a “powerhouse,” emphasizing his respect for the demanding nature of playing at such a high level.
“The NFL, I mean, you gotta hand it to them. I know there’s always noise on certain things, but you know, it’s a powerhouse,” Penske told Jacobs [9:46 onwards]. “Be able to play at the highest level, the way you guys do in that sport, is amazing for me. And the guys just get bigger and bigger.”
Responding with humor, Jacobs commented on the seeming paradox of size and speed in football players.
“Oh my god, bigger and faster! ‘I’m like, ‘How you 300 pounds and running at the same speed?'”
Longstanding Relationship Between Penske and the NFL
Roger Penske’s connection to the NFL extends back over two decades. He was instrumental in bringing Super Bowl XL to Detroit’s Ford Field in 2006 – the city’s second time hosting the event. Despite this success, the Detroit Lions franchise has yet to capture a Super Bowl victory. Penske’s sports influence stretches beyond racing, encompassing key moments in professional football history.
Arlington Grand Prix Set to Debut in 2026 Through Sports Collaborations
In a major development announced in October 2024, Penske Entertainment, owned by Roger Penske, partnered with the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and REV Entertainment, associated with MLB’s Texas Rangers, to launch the Arlington Grand Prix starting in 2026. This new IndyCar race marks a strategic expansion for the series and integrates the worlds of top-tier motorsports and professional football and baseball.
The upcoming 2.73-mile Arlington GP will be held on a street circuit weaving through key landmarks like AT&T Stadium—the home field of the Dallas Cowboys—and Globe Life Field, where the Texas Rangers play. Organizers aim for this event to become one of IndyCar’s major fixtures, standing alongside traditional marquee races such as the Long Beach Grand Prix.
Jerry Jones Commends Penske’s Vision and Leadership
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has maintained a long-standing trust in Roger Penske’s leadership since Penske’s success with bringing the Super Bowl to Detroit. During the Arlington GP announcement, Jones emphasized Penske’s ability to blend competitive racing with effective economic strategies.
“Bottom line is that Roger has really been a model for me in terms of how he has taken competitive racing and nailed that into an economic scenario that works. He is my sports man. He changed that mentality of needing (the NFL) to go where you can have sunshine and the ocean. He changed that concept and was very effective.”
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter for IndyCar and Its Partners
The collaboration between Penske Entertainment, the NFL, and MLB partners heralds a promising future for the Arlington Grand Prix, positioning it as a tent-pole event on the IndyCar calendar. This partnership highlights Scott McLaughlin’s team owner Roger Penske’s ongoing influence in merging elite racing with major sports leagues, enhancing the sport’s profile while engaging new audiences.
As preparations continue for the inaugural Arlington GP in 2026, fans can anticipate a race that combines challenging street circuits with iconic American sports venues, potentially redefining marquee motorsport experiences in the United States.
