Team Penske is navigating a period of significant change, but its NASCAR operation remains a steady pillar amid the turbulence. While sweeping leadership changes reshape the organization’s IndyCar and sports car programs, the NASCAR team stands out as a model of consistency, keeping its management team intact.
This stability is notable as Team Penske addresses recent controversies and rule violations in its open-wheel division. The NASCAR program’s continuity sends a clear message to competitors and fans: business as usual, even as other parts of the organization rebuild.
Team Penske’s NASCAR Leadership Stays the Course
On July 4, motorsports journalist Joseph Srigley reported that Team Penske’s NASCAR leadership structure would remain unchanged. Michael Nelson continues as president, and Travis Geisler maintains his role as vice president of competition. This decision comes at a time when the team’s IndyCar operation is undergoing significant transformation following a series of high-profile rule violations.
The recent shakeup in IndyCar was triggered by a technical violation during qualifying for the 2025 Indianapolis 500. The rear attenuators on the cars of Josef Newgarden and Will Power were found to be smoothed, directly contravening IndyCar regulations. This incident was Team Penske’s second major rules violation in two years, following the misuse of the push-to-pass system in 2024. Both cases damaged the team’s reputation for discipline and fair play.
NEWS: Team Penske announces the departures of INDYCAR team president Tim Cindric, INDYCAR managing director Ron Ruzewski and INDYCAR general manager Kyle Moyer from the organization. pic.twitter.com/9vL1GBSDwr
— NTT INDYCAR SERIES (@IndyCar) May 21, 2025
Team owner Roger Penske, who also owns the IndyCar Series, described the situation as a series of organizational breakdowns. He acknowledged that the violations not only hurt the team’s image but also called the credibility of the sport into question. In response, Penske removed key decision-makers and committed to rebuilding the operation with stricter oversight and new leadership.
Read More: WATCH: Josef Newgarden Goes Airborne in Terrifying Upside-Down IndyCar Crash at Illinois
As part of this restructuring, Jonathan Diuguid was promoted to president of Penske Racing Inc., overseeing the entire motorsports division, including IndyCar, IMSA, and the World Endurance Championship (WEC). Diuguid, a 20-year veteran of the organization, is known for his technical expertise and leadership within the team’s successful sports car program.
Travis Law, a former chief mechanic for Will Power, was named the new competition director. These appointments reflect Team Penske’s emphasis on technical acumen and integrity as it seeks to restore confidence in its open-wheel operation.
Following these developments, Srigley confirmed that the NASCAR team’s leadership would remain unchanged. He wrote via X:
“While @Team_Penske is making sweeping leadership changes in its IndyCar/sports car programs, there will be no changes to the leadership structure for its #NASCAR program. Michael Nelson continues as President with Travis Geisler continuing his role as VP of Competition.”
While @Team_Penske is making sweeping leadership changes in its IndyCar/sports car programs, there will be no changes to the leadership structure for its #NASCAR program.
Michael Nelson continues as President with Travis Geisler continuing his role as VP of Competition. https://t.co/ydDVx3cxMK
— Joseph Srigley (@joe_srigley) July 4, 2025
Rebuilding Trust and Stability Across Team Penske
The leadership changes in IndyCar are designed to prevent future rule breaches and restore trust within the organization and the wider motorsports community. Diuguid and Law are both respected for their technical backgrounds and clean records, and their appointments signal a focus on attention to detail and accountability.
The shakeup also prompted broader changes within the IndyCar Series itself, including tougher inspection rules and new efforts to maintain a clear separation between the sanctioning body and team ownership. These steps are intended to reinforce the integrity of the competition and reassure fans and stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Team Penske’s NASCAR program continues unaffected. By keeping its leadership team intact, the organization demonstrates its confidence in the current structure and its commitment to maintaining stability during a period of significant change elsewhere. This approach not only reinforces the NASCAR team’s strong foundation but also positions it as a steady force as the 2025 season progresses.