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Autoweek just ran an article quoting Team Penske President, Tim Cindric, as saying that he plans on running three cars in the IndyCar Series and not running Grand Am.“It’s not done yet, but we’re closer,” Cindric said. “I’m planning on running three cars full-time, but I don’t have the deal done yet.”
This bodes well for Will Power who signed with Team Penske as a replacement driver while Helio Castroneves fought off charges of tax evasion and fraud. When Helio was exonerated, Will had to relinquish the seat to of the #3 car. Although Power did drive the #12 Verizon Wireless sponsored car at Long Beach and Indy, and the #12 Penske Trucking car at a couple of other races, his prolonged future with the team was uncertain. Its not set in stone yet, but it looks like Penske will dismantle its Grand Am Series operation and put most of those personnel to work as Will Power’s crew. The big losers in all of this are Timo Bernhard and Romain Dumas, the two sports car drivers that ran for Team Penske during the ALMS days and last year in Grand Am, since they now have no ride for next year.
Personally, I see this as an overall good thing. I do feel for Timo and Romain, as both gentlemen are great sports car drivers. It is good to see that Penske will increase their involvement in IndyCars by fielding a third car, and by supporting one of the best drivers without a full-time ride at the moment, Will Power. Will definitely showed that he has the skills to not just win, but to compete for championships. His performance last year was nothing short of outstanding. All in all, this is good for Will, good for Penske, and good for the IndyCar Series. I only hope that Timo and Romain land on their feet in an ALMS ride for next year.
Good to see more positive signs that Penske will be a 3 car effort. Cavin and Trackside Online have been saying 3 cars at Penske for a while now, but hearing out of Cindric’s mouth can only be good!
Right on.