Tim Cindric has made a stunning return to the IndyCar Team Penske squad less than a year after he was dismissed as their team president; he will be Scott McLaughlin’s strategist throughout the 2026 season.
The 57-year-old was removed from his role following the scandal involving Team Penske at the Indy 500 last year. Will Power and Josef Newgraden’s cars were sent to the back of the field after both were found to be running illegal attenuators before the Fast 12 part of qualifying.
During his time as President at the Team Penske squad, Cindric saw Power, Newgarden, Pagenaud and Hornish Jr. all claim IndyCar titles. There was lots more success around the globe in various other categories as well.
Jonathan Diuguid, President, Team Penske INDYCAR Program:
“I am excited about our Team Penske line-up for the 2026 INDYCAR season.
“l look forward to continuing to work with Josef (Newgarden), as we have enjoyed a lot of success together. Travis Law will be a great leader for David (Malukas) as he makes his transition into Team Penske.
“Tim Cindric brings decades of experience to Scott’s (McLaughlin) timing stand, and given his experience and time within our organization, he will be a great addition to our line-up on race day in the role of race strategist.
“With the support of our strong and experienced engineering staff, technicians, and partners, the No. 2, No. 3, and No. 12 Team Penske entries are positioned well, and I am confident the team will fight for wins every race in the extremely competitive INDYCAR field starting in St. Pete.”
Scott McLaughlin on Tim Cindric becoming his strategist at Team Penske for 2026 season
“Tim Cindric is a huge part of why I was able to make the journey from Australia to the IndyCar Series.
“We’ve had a very close relationship for many years and he’s been a tremendous help to my career. I’m so excited to get to work with him in this capacity in 2026.
“I’ve wanted to have TC on my stand from the moment I got here. His experience, knowledge, and focus are world class and I’m pumped he’s joining the #Thirsty3s.
“Bring on St. Pete.”
