Cindric rejoins Penske in the role of race strategist for McLaughlin.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Tim Cindric, a veteran executive with Team Penske who was among three individuals dismissed by the organization last May due to a technical violation at the Indianapolis 500, has been reinstated by the team as the strategist for Scott McLaughlin for the forthcoming IndyCar season.
The position of race strategist is expected to be a weekend-only commitment for Cindric, who appeared hesitant to re-enter the demands of managing a global entity like Team Penske.
“Tim Cindric brings decades of experience to Scott’s timing stand, and given his background and tenure within our organization, he will be an excellent addition to our race day lineup in the role of race strategist,” stated Jonathan Diuguid, the new team president, in a statement released on Thursday.
Cindric had previously served as the long-time team president of Team Penske and was also the race strategist for two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Josef Newgarden. He had reduced his involvement in many of his larger responsibilities following the 2024 season, but after Newgarden and Will Power’s vehicles failed inspection just moments before they were set to qualify for the pole at Indianapolis last May, Roger Penske terminated his top three executives.
This incident marked the second significant technical violation for Team Penske within a little over a year that compelled Penske to take action. The other two executives have secured new positions with different teams, while Cindric makes his return to Team Penske in a more limited capacity.
McLaughlin expressed his enthusiasm regarding the appointment.
“Tim Cindric is a major reason I was able to transition from Australia to the IndyCar Series,” McLaughlin remarked. “We have maintained a very close relationship for many years, and he has been an incredible support in my career. I am very eager to collaborate with him in this role in 2026.
“I’ve wanted TC on my stand since the moment I arrived. His experience, knowledge, and focus are of the highest caliber.”
Source: espn.com
