Tim Cindric Back With Team Penske as Scott McLaughlin's Strategist

Team Penske revealed Jan. 29 the strategists for its three NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers in 2026 with one big surprise – Tim Cindric is back.

Cindric was released from Team Penske as INDYCAR team president along last May along with managing director Ron Ruzewski and general manager Kyle Moyer following penalties incurred in qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. But Cindric is returning to the team in 2026 as the strategist for the No. 3 Chevrolet driven by Scott McLaughlin.

Team Penske INDYCAR President Jonathan Diuguid, who was named to that role last July after Cindric’s dismissal, will serve as the strategist for the No. 2 Chevrolet driven by two-time series champion Josef Newgarden. Travis Law will call strategy for the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet driven by David Malukas, who joins Team Penske this year in his fifth season in the series.

“I am excited about our Team Penske lineup for the 2026 INDYCAR season,” Diuguid said in a Team Penske social media post. “I look forward to continuing to work with Josef, as we have enjoyed a lot of success together. Travis Law will be a great leader for David as he makes his transition into Team Penske.

“Tim Cindric brings decades of experience to Scott’s timing stand, and given his experience and time within our organization, he will be a great addition to our lineup on race day in the role of race strategist.”

Cindric joined Team Penske in 1999 and climbed the ranks, serving as president from January 2006 until January 2025, when he became president of the INDYCAR program. He also served as a strategist for Newgarden.

His 25-year career with Team Penske consists of more than 400 victories and 31 championships across the team’s programs in INDYCAR, NASCAR, IMSA, World Endurance Championship and Australian Supercars. This total includes 10 Indianapolis 500 wins.