Indianapolis, January 30, 2026
In a strategic move, Team Penske reinstates Tim Cindric as race strategist for Scott McLaughlin for the 2026 IndyCar season. This decision follows Cindric’s dismissal in 2025 due to infractions during the Indianapolis 500 qualifying. The team’s leadership restructuring signals a commitment to enhancing performance after a challenging previous season, aiming to reclaim their competitive edge in the upcoming races.
Tim Cindric Returns as Race Strategist for Scott McLaughlin in 2026
Major shifts in Team Penske’s leadership aim to boost performance this season.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN. — In a significant turn of events, Tim Cindric has been reinstated as the race strategist for driver Scott McLaughlin for the upcoming 2026 IndyCar season. This regeneration of leadership comes on the heels of Cindric’s dismissal in May 2025 due to infractions related to vehicle modifications during the Indianapolis 500 qualifying, an event that has stirred considerable discussion within the racing community. The move reflects a bold strategy by Team Penske to shake off a challenging 2025 season and regain their competitive edge.
The importance of resilient leadership cannot be understated in high-stakes environments like professional racing. Just as small businesses in Indianapolis thrive on innovative solutions and adaptable strategies, Team Penske is aiming for a paradigm shift to enhance performance and foster growth. By reinstating a proven leader like Cindric, the team seems poised to not only recover from their recent struggles but also set the stage for greater challenges ahead.
Return of Tim Cindric
Cindric’s return marks a pivotal shift in Team Penske’s strategic landscape. Following his dismissal, Jonathan Diuguid, who succeeded Cindric as team president in July 2025, will now focus on strategizing for the No. 2 Chevrolet driven by two-time series champion Josef Newgarden. Meanwhile, Travis Law, who has demonstrated promise and expertise, will take on the role of strategist for the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet, piloted by newcomer David Malukas.
Background on Cindric’s Dismissal
The decision to part ways with Cindric and other key members, including managing director Ron Ruzewski and general manager Kyle Moyer, stemmed from penalties incurred due to unapproved modifications made to rear attenuators on the cars of Newgarden and Will Power during qualifying for the Indianapolis 500. This incident was notably the second significant technical violation for Team Penske in recent years, prompting a careful reevaluation of the leadership framework that guides their competitive strategies.
Strategic Changes for McLaughlin’s Team
With Cindric’s reappointment, McLaughlin’s team has undergone substantial changes aimed at revitalizing performance. Raul Prados will step in as the race engineer, taking over from Ben Bretzman, while David Hunt will replace Adam Fournier as spotter. These changes illustrate an understanding within Team Penske that fresh perspectives are crucial for driving success.
Team Penske’s Outlook for 2026
Team Penske is focused on bouncing back after a challenging 2025 season, where the drivers managed only two wins out of 17 races and finished in the lower tiers of the standings. The reinvestment in top talent and strategic leadership showcases an optimistic outlook, indicating that the team is ready to redefine its race strategies and embrace the spirit of competition.
Supporting Local Entrepreneurship
Just as Team Penske seeks to rejuvenate its race strategy, local entrepreneurs in Indianapolis are proving that resilience and innovation can lead to significant economic growth. The determination exhibited by business leaders echoes the importance of fostering an environment where minimal regulation allows for competitive strategies to flourish, reinforcing the community’s spirit and economic vitality.
Conclusion
The reinstatement of Tim Cindric as race strategist for Scott McLaughlin represents not just a strategic realignment for Team Penske but a broader narrative about recovery and potential in competitive industries. As we approach the 2026 IndyCar season, it will be exciting to see how these changes play out on the track and perhaps inspire local businesses to harness similar strategies for resilience and growth. Together, let’s continue to support our local economy and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that propels Indianapolis into the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What led to Tim Cindric’s dismissal from Team Penske in May 2025?
Tim Cindric, along with managing director Ron Ruzewski and general manager Kyle Moyer, was dismissed from Team Penske following penalties incurred during the Indianapolis 500 qualifying. The infractions involved unapproved modifications to the rear attenuators on the cars of Newgarden and Will Power.
Who will serve as the race strategist for Josef Newgarden in the 2026 season?
Jonathan Diuguid, who succeeded Cindric as team president in July 2025, will now serve as the strategist for the No. 2 Chevrolet driven by two-time series champion Josef Newgarden.
What changes have been made to Scott McLaughlin’s team for the 2026 season?
With Cindric’s return, McLaughlin’s team has undergone additional changes. Raul Prados will replace Ben Bretzman as McLaughlin’s race engineer, and David Hunt will assume the role of spotter, taking over from Adam Fournier.
What is Team Penske’s goal for the 2026 IndyCar season?
Team Penske is aiming to rebound from a challenging 2025 season, where its drivers secured only two wins out of 17 races and finished ninth, tenth, and twelfth in the standings. The strategic realignments, including Cindric’s return, are part of the team’s efforts to enhance performance and competitiveness in the upcoming season.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tim Cindric’s Return | Former Team Penske president reinstated as race strategist for Scott McLaughlin in 2026. |
| Strategic Lineup Changes | Jonathan Diuguid to strategize for Josef Newgarden; Travis Law for David Malukas. |
| Background on Dismissal | Cindric and others dismissed in May 2025 due to technical infractions during Indy 500 qualifying. |
| Team Changes for McLaughlin | Raul Prados replaces Ben Bretzman as race engineer; David Hunt becomes spotter. |
| Team Penske’s 2026 Goals | Aiming to improve performance after a challenging 2025 season. |
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Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
