Former IndyCar champion, Paul Tracy, has ignited a firestorm of controversy with his scathing remarks about Roger Penske’s racing team following the team’s shocking disqualification at the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans. Tracy, who is no stranger to controversy himself, took to social media to criticize the team, stating, “Cheating again.” His comments have raised eyebrows and brought renewed scrutiny to Penske’s operations, especially in light of the team’s recent technical violations that have been a recurring theme in their racing endeavors.
The 2025 Le Mans disqualification came after the No. 6 Porsche Penske Motorsport 963 was found to be underweight during post-qualifying inspection. This violation resulted in the car being eliminated from the qualifying session and placed at the back of the Hypercar class grid, a devastating blow to the team’s chances. This technical breach echoes previous controversies in Penske’s camp, particularly during the 2025 IndyCar season, where Penske drivers Josef Newgarden and Will Power were disqualified from qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 due to unauthorized modifications on their cars. The rear attenuators, intended to improve aerodynamic efficiency, were found to be in violation of IndyCar’s regulations, leading to both drivers being relegated to the back of the grid and facing significant fines.
Tracy’s criticism of Penske’s team, coming from a former IndyCar champion, has stoked tensions within the motorsport community. While some believe these incidents are isolated mistakes, others, like Tracy, suggest a pattern of negligence or worse, cheating. The implications of these technical breaches are significant, as they not only harm Penske’s reputation but also shake the confidence of fans and competitors alike in the integrity of the team’s operations. Tracy’s “cheating again” comment has brought to light concerns over how Penske’s team is conducting itself, particularly after the Indy 500 controversy.
Roger Penske, one of the most respected figures in motorsport, has publicly acknowledged the mistakes his team made during the IndyCar season and vowed to address them. He emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity in racing, stating that organizational changes would be implemented to prevent future violations. However, the recent disqualification at Le Mans has done little to quell the criticisms. Rival teams and industry insiders are calling for greater accountability within Penske’s operations, citing the repeated technical infractions as evidence of a systemic issue.
The 2025 Le Mans and Indy 500 scandals have left a stain on what is otherwise a prestigious racing career for Roger Penske and his team. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Penske’s team to see if they can regain their footing and restore their reputation. Tracy’s harsh words serve as a stark reminder of the high stakes in professional motorsports and the cost of overlooking technical regulations. As the controversy continues to unfold, the question remains whether Penske can clear the air and prove that these incidents are nothing more than unfortunate mistakes or if they point to deeper issues within the team.
