Down in Daytona Beach, NASCAR has been keeping a close eye on IndyCar as they welcomed their fourth manufacturer with open arms. However, things took a turn after the Team Penske attenuator scandal, causing Roger Penske to finally take some action to salvage the situation.
It seems that Honda is considering leaving the IndyCar Series due to recent incidents involving Team Penske violating rules. The incidents on May 18, 2025, at the Speedway, and April 21, 2024, at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, where Team Penske was caught cheating, have put Honda in a tough spot. This is the second time in just over a year that Team Penske has been involved in such controversies.
In response to the backlash, Penske has decided to let go of his three senior team leaders, citing systemic failures in oversight. He emphasized the importance of integrity in the sport and acknowledged the organizational failures over the past two years. Penske issued an apology to fans, partners, and the organization for the letdown.
Now, the focus shifts to Penske’s ownership of the series, where such oversights were allowed to persist for a whole year. Honda, although reluctant to speak on the record, has been internally discussing the rule-breaking by Penske’s team and its impact. There is a growing sentiment of favoritism towards Penske’s team and drivers, which is causing concern for Honda.
The lack of trust in Penske Entertainment has led to discussions about the need for a change in governance within the series. Honda’s future participation in the series may hinge on Penske Entertainment divesting itself from overseeing the series it owns. There is a push for an independent oversight group to ensure fairness and impartiality in the sport.
The road ahead for IndyCar involves implementing this independent oversight group to address the conflicts of interest that have plagued the series. The move towards creating a more transparent and unbiased officiating entity is seen as a step in the right direction. It is essential to rebuild trust with stakeholders and ensure the integrity of the sport moving forward.
As the discussions continue, the future of Honda in the IndyCar Series remains uncertain. However, the actions taken by Penske and the commitment to reform by IndyCar’s leadership may help secure Honda’s presence in the sport. The coming seasons will be crucial in determining the direction of the series and its relationship with manufacturers like Honda.
