Team Penske is turning a page in its legendary IndyCar team. The team’s NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Blaney reflected on Roger Penske’s departing star and friend Will Power.
Team Penske, which Penske founded in 1958,has won dozens of championships and hundreds of races across IndyCar, NASCAR, and other racing series. The team is celebrating its 60th year this season. In IndyCar racing, Power, who has been a key figure for Penske for 17 years winning two IndyCar championships, will leave the team to race for Andretti Global in 2026.
Blaney was asked about Power’s departure by Bruce Martin during the Tuesday’s episode the Pit Pass Indy podcast. Blaney spoke about their friendship and how he still plans to cheer for Power even though he is no longer part of the team.
“It was a pleasure to get to know Will through my time at team Penske and his time. And I was a fan of Will Power before I even got to team Penske, just because I loved his personality and how he raced. … And, I wish him the best, even though he’s not here anymore, I’m still going to be cheering for him just because he and I became friends over the years,” Ryan Blaney said (43:30 onwards).
To fill Power’s seat, Penske has signed 24-year-old David Malukas, who had a second-place finish at the Indianapolis 500 last year. Blaney also shared his positive thoughts on Malukas:
“I think he has a lot of potential, very talented young kid, and I hope he can really help that team, bring them wins and contend for championships. So I think he’s going to do really well.”
Malukas starts his multiyear deal will Team Penske and will make his debut in the No. 12 car at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in March.
“We Support Each Other” – Ryan Blaney on Friendship With Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin
During the same episode, Ryan Blaney also talked about his friendship with Scott McLaughlin. The 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion revealed that they first became friends when McLaughlin first visited from Australia and that strengthened later as he joined Team Penske’s IndyCar program full time.
Blaney pointed out that McLaughlin came to Phoenix Raceway to support him when he won the NASCAR championship.
“When he came over full time for the IndyCar side, a handful of years ago, it just became stronger. So, just all around solid dude. And we support each other. Heck he. He came out for Phoenix when we won the championship and supported me and celebrated with us. And it just shows that how great of a person he is,” Ryan Blaney said (40:00 onwards).
McLaughlin and Blaney also live close by in North Carolina which has also helped their friendship develop while playing golf together.
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