While it took everyone by surprise, the announcement on Monday that Roger Penske had purchased the IndyCar series and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway should not have come as a surprise to anyone who closely followed American open wheeled racing. Penske has been the most successful owner and manager in the history of the sport. Starting in 1969 with driver Mark Donahue. Penske has dominated the Indianapolis 500 mile race and the USAC, Cart, and IndyCar racing series. He has built racing cars and engines, and many of the world’s greatest drivers have driven his race cars and won for him. He has also been successful as a NASCAR owner winning two Cup Series Championships.
Along with his racing endeavors Penske has been very successful in the automobile business. He is the largest new car dealer in the United States and he owns the largest truck rental business in North America. At 82 years old he is still going strong. In June of this year President Trump announced that Roger Penske would receive a Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor that can be bestowed on a private citizen.
Do not look for many big changes in Indy car racing immediately. However, down the road things could take off in a new direction.
Colts Lose to the Steelers
Despite not having T.Y. Hilton and losing Jacoby Brissett to a knee sprain in the first quarter, the Colts nearly pulled off a victory in Pittsburgh. Backup quarterback Brian Hoyer threw three touchdown passes and the defense played hard. In the end it was the kicking game that let the team down. Adam Vinatieri missed two field goals and an extra point attempt which helped give the Steelers the win. As of this moment the team is unsure if Brissett can play against the Dolphins this coming Sunday.
IU Beats the Wildcats
The IU Hoosiers beat the Northwestern Wildcats last Saturday 34-3. This gives them a 7-2 record, their best since 1993. With three games left in the regular season, they could improve. Their next two games are with 5th ranked Penn, and then 24th ranked Michigan finishing with Purdue for the Old Oaken Bucket Game. No matter what, however, the Hoosiers have qualified for a post season bowl game. Perhaps they should call it the “Impossi-Bowl!
snicewanger@gmail.com