Today’s question: Penske Corporation announced its purchase of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and INDYCAR five years ago this week. What is the biggest highlight of the company’s ownership and stewardship of both?

Curt Cavin: Any mention of Roger Penske’s first few months of ownership begins with the physical changes at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and they are numerous and noticeable to anyone stepping on the grounds. From the repainting of virtually everything to the expansion of the foot traffic area behind the frontstretch grandstands to the picnic areas and video boards, the place now looks more inviting – dare we say more “fan friendly” – in so many ways. As it turned out, much of those modifications and the plans for additional upgrades were in place when the COVID-19 shutdown occurred in the spring of 2020, and it goes without saying that Penske’s financial depth was a huge reason the sport as a whole came out of the pandemic as well as it did. It’s not a stretch to say Penske and his Detroit-based leadership team delivered in a very challenging time, and it can be argued that’s the signature moment of the first five years.

Eric Smith: I agree with Curt’s entire assessment but what struck me the most is to use the line from his opening words of “Any mention of Roger Penske.” That’s my takeaway. Nothing against the previous regime, but the magnitude of the universal respect for Roger Penske’s name has opened many more doors and avenues for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES since the purchase. He values the respect he’s garnered for his name and works tirelessly to hold the high standards. That’s why his business acumen has not only grown the series but strengthened it in a healthy way. I look at INDY NXT by Firestone as a prime example. Same as the return to Milwaukee Mile. Neither happens without Roger Penske. Those are two of many examples of the tutelage he has provided.

Paul Kelly: Curt and Eric made very good points from a wide lens about the first five years of Penske ownership. I’m going to get much more specific. Roger Penske’s first Indianapolis 500 victory came more than 40 years before social media took hold of the world’s information flow, and RP isn’t active on social. But even as an octogenarian, Penske understands a vast majority of the world’s population now uses social media to get news and information and show their fandom. Penske Entertainment has made significant investment to boost the digital presence of INDYCAR and IMS, especially on social media. The quantity and quality of videos, social posts and other digital content has improved quite a bit, giving fans a wider, deeper connection to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, INDY NXT by Firestone and IMS. That’s a huge plus in a world in which traditional media is shrinking and sports entities are becoming content companies to keep their fans filled with news and entertainment.