Tim Cindric Returns to Team Penske as McLaughlin's Race Strategist for 2026

Veteran executive rejoins organization after previous dismissal, as Penske reshuffles strategy team ahead of new IndyCar season.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:11am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstract IndyCar race scene, with overlapping planes of color and shape representing the strategic elements of the sport.Team Penske's revamped strategy team aims to propel their IndyCar entries to victory in the 2026 season.Indianapolis Today

In a surprising move, Team Penske has announced that Tim Cindric will be returning to the organization in 2026 as the race strategist for driver Scott McLaughlin. Cindric, who previously served as the team's president, was dismissed in 2025 following a technical inspection scandal, but is now being brought back to bolster the strategy for one of Penske's top entries.

Why it matters

Cindric's return to Team Penske comes after a high-profile dismissal last year, underscoring the team's efforts to rebound from recent controversies and field a competitive lineup for the upcoming IndyCar season. His experience and expertise will be crucial as the organization aims to regain its dominance on the track.

The details

In addition to Cindric's new role, Team Penske is also shuffling other key strategy positions. Jonathan Diuguid, the current team president, will now oversee the strategy for veteran driver Josef Newgarden, while Travis Law has been appointed to guide newcomer David Malukas. The team is banking on this revamped strategy lineup to provide a competitive edge in the highly competitive IndyCar landscape.

  • On May 12, 2025, Cindric, along with Ron Ruzewski and Kyle Moyer, were dismissed by team owner Roger Penske following a technical inspection scandal at the Indianapolis 500.
  • Cindric's return to Team Penske as McLaughlin's race strategist was announced on April 13, 2026, ahead of the upcoming IndyCar season.

The players

Tim Cindric

A veteran executive who previously held the position of president within Team Penske, and is now returning to the organization as the race strategist for driver Scott McLaughlin.

Jonathan Diuguid

The current president of Team Penske, who will now oversee the strategy for veteran driver Josef Newgarden.

Travis Law

The new strategist appointed to guide newcomer David Malukas as he integrates into Team Penske.

Scott McLaughlin

The driver who will be working with Tim Cindric as his race strategist for the 2026 IndyCar season.

Roger Penske

The team owner of Team Penske and the proprietor of the IndyCar series and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

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What they’re saying

“I am thrilled with our Team Penske lineup for the upcoming season in IndyCar. I'm eager to continue collaborating with Josef (Newgarden), as we have experienced significant success together in the past. I am confident that Travis Law will provide exceptional leadership to David (Malukas) as he integrates into Team Penske. Tim Cindric brings a wealth of experience to Scott's (McLaughlin) timing stand, and given his extensive background with our organization, I believe he will be an invaluable asset on race day as our strategist.”

— Jonathan Diuguid, President, Team Penske

“With our robust and seasoned engineering team, alongside our skilled technicians and partners, the No. 2, No. 3, and No. 12 entries from Team Penske are well-prepared. I am optimistic that we will be competing fiercely for victories throughout the highly competitive landscape of IndyCar, starting with the race in St. Petersburg.”

— Jonathan Diuguid, President, Team Penske

What’s next

The 2026 IndyCar season will kick off with the race in St. Petersburg, where Team Penske will be looking to make a strong statement with their revamped strategy team.

The takeaway

Cindric's return to Team Penske after a high-profile dismissal last year highlights the organization's efforts to rebound from recent controversies and field a competitive lineup for the upcoming IndyCar season. The team's reshuffled strategy team, with experienced veterans and new talent, aims to provide a competitive edge in the highly competitive series.