What was Tim Cindric's previous role at Team Penske?

Tim Cindric was previously the team president of Team Penske and also served as the race strategist for Josef Newgarden.

When will Tim Cindric begin his new role as strategist?

Tim Cindric will begin his role as Scott McLaughlin's race strategist for the upcoming IndyCar season in 2026.

Home / Sports / From Firing to Strategist: Cindric Returns to Penske

From Firing to Strategist: Cindric Returns to Penske

Q: Why was Tim Cindric rehired by Team Penske?

Tim Cindric was rehired by Team Penske to serve as Scott McLaughlin's race strategist for the 2026 IndyCar season, bringing his decades of experience to the team.

30 Jan

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Summary

Tim Cindric, previously fired, is rehired by Team Penske.
Cindric will serve as Scott McLaughlin's race strategist for 2026.
He was one of three executives dismissed for a technical infraction.

From Firing to Strategist: Cindric Returns to Penske

Tim Cindric has been rehired by Team Penske in a new capacity as Scott McLaughlin's race strategist for the 2026 IndyCar season. This comes after Cindric was one of three top executives fired by the organization in May for a technical infraction during the Indianapolis 500 qualifying. Cindric previously held the position of team president and served as strategist for Josef Newgarden. This new role is expected to be a weekend-focused position, allowing Cindric to leverage his extensive experience without the full pressure of managing a global team.

Jonathan Diuguid, the new team president, stated that Cindric's decades of experience will make him a great addition to the race day lineup. Scott McLaughlin expressed immense enthusiasm for the appointment, emphasizing Cindric's instrumental role in his journey to IndyCar and his long-standing desire to have Cindric on his timing stand. McLaughlin believes Cindric's expertise is world-class.