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If you’re a fan of motorsports, business, or both, you’ve probably heard of Roger Penske—one of the most influential figures in both industries. Penske isn’t just a racing team owner; he’s a businessman, a strategist, and a pioneer who has built an empire that stretches across racing, automotive, and logistics industries.
As of 2025, Roger Penske boasts a net worth of $3.2 billion, making him one of the wealthiest figures in motorsports. His businesses and investments span multiple industries, and he remains an active force in racing at 88 years old.
Early Life: A Young Entrepreneur with a Need for Speed
Born on February 20, 1937, in Shaker Heights, Ohio, Roger Penske was destined for a life of high performance—whether in business or on the racetrack. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident from an early age. As a teenager, Penske would buy old cars, fix them up, and sell them at a profit from his family’s home. This knack for business would later serve as the foundation of his success.
After graduating from Shaker Heights High School in 1955, Penske attended Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, where he continued to build on his knowledge of business and engineering. But it wasn’t just academics that caught his interest—he was also deeply passionate about auto racing.
The Racing Years: Penske’s Early Motorsports Career
Penske began his career as a race car driver, initially competing in hillclimbing and road course racing. He made his professional debut at Marlboro Motor Raceway in Maryland and quickly became known for his skill behind the wheel.
By the early 1960s, Penske had made a name for himself in Formula One, NASCAR, and IndyCar, even winning a NASCAR Pacific Coast Late Model race in 1963. However, in 1965, he made a pivotal decision—he retired from racing to focus on business. This move would prove to be a masterstroke, setting the stage for his incredible success as a team owner and entrepreneur.
The Birth of a Racing Empire: Team Penske
In 1966, Penske founded Penske Racing, debuting at the 24 Hours of Daytona. Just a few years later, in 1969, the team competed in its first Indianapolis 500, and by 1972, Team Penske had won the race with driver Mark Donohue.
Over the decades, Penske Racing (now Team Penske) has dominated multiple racing disciplines, including:
- IndyCar Series – The team holds a record 19 Indianapolis 500 victories (as of 2025).
- NASCAR Cup Series – Penske drivers have won multiple NASCAR championships, including Brad Keselowski (2012) and Joey Logano (2018, 2022, 2024).
- FIA World Endurance Championship – Penske has fielded competitive teams in international endurance racing.
- Australian Supercars – In 2014, Penske acquired 51% of Dick Johnson Racing, which later became DJR Team Penske.
Penske’s commitment to excellence in motorsports has earned him the nickname “The Captain”. Under his leadership, Team Penske has won over 500 races and more than 40 championships across various motorsports series.
The Penske Business Empire
Racing success alone doesn’t build a billion-dollar net worth. Penske’s wealth largely comes from his business ventures outside of motorsports.
Penske Corporation
Founded in 1969, Penske Corporation is a transportation services powerhouse headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. The company’s portfolio includes:
- Penske Automotive Group – A massive network of car dealerships across the U.S.
- Penske Truck Leasing – A dominant player in commercial truck rental and logistics.
- Penske Logistics – Providing supply chain solutions worldwide.
- Ilmor Engineering – A high-performance motorsport engine manufacturer.
- Penske Motor Group – Operating premium automotive dealerships.
- Penske Entertainment Corporation – The parent company of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IndyCar.
Purchasing the Indianapolis Motor Speedway & IndyCar
In 2019, Penske made a game-changing move—he purchased the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) and IndyCar Series. This acquisition gave him full control over one of the most prestigious venues and racing series in the world.
His leadership has since brought new sponsorship deals, improved fan experiences, and more investment into IndyCar, ensuring its continued growth and relevance in motorsports.
Accolades & Honors
Roger Penske’s contributions to racing and business have earned him numerous awards, including:
- Induction into multiple Hall of Fames, including:
- Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (1995)
- International Motorsports Hall of Fame (1998)
- NASCAR Hall of Fame (2019)
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame
- Automotive Hall of Fame
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (2019) – Awarded by President Donald Trump.
- Three Daytona 500 victories – 2008, 2015, 2022.
- Multiple NASCAR Xfinity and IndyCar championships.
Roger Penske’s Net Worth & Business Success (2025)
With an estimated net worth of $3.2 billion, Roger Penske remains one of the most successful businessmen in motorsports and the automotive industry. His revenue streams come from:
- Racing operations (Team Penske, IndyCar, IMS)
- Automotive dealership businesses (Penske Automotive Group)
- Truck leasing & logistics (Penske Truck Leasing & Penske Logistics)
- High-performance engineering (Ilmor Engineering)
His financial success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about vision, leadership, and strategic decision-making.
Personal Life: Family & Legacy
At 88 years old, Roger Penske remains active in both business and motorsports. He is married to Kathy Penske, and together they have three children: Roger Jr., Mark, and Jay Penske. He also has two children from his first marriage, Gregory and Blair.
- Gregory Penske is the CEO of Penske Motor Group.
- Jay Penske is the chairman and CEO of Penske Media Corporation, which owns Rolling Stone, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter.
The Captain’s Unmatched Legacy
Roger Penske is more than just a billionaire businessman or a racing team owner—he’s a visionary, leader, and an icon in both motorsports and business. From fixing up old cars as a teenager to running a multibillion-dollar empire, his journey is one of passion, resilience, and innovation.
Whether in the Indianapolis 500 winner’s circle or closing a major business deal, Penske’s influence on racing, automotive, and logistics industries is undeniable. His story is far from over, and fans, racers, and business enthusiasts alike will continue to watch as The Captain steers his empire into the future.
