History of Roger Penske in Timeline

Roger Penske, nicknamed "the Captain," is a prominent American businessman and former race car driver. He is the owner of Team Penske, a highly successful auto racing team, as well as the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IndyCar. Beyond motorsports, Penske is the founder and chairman of Penske Corporation, a diverse holding company. His contributions to business and motorsports were recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

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Full Timeline

February 20, 1937: Roger Penske Born

On February 20, 1937, Roger Searle Penske, an American auto racing team owner, businessman, and former professional driver, was born. He is known as "the Captain".

1937: Early Life

In 1937, Roger Penske was born in Shaker Heights, Ohio, to a devout Episcopalian family. He actively participated in church activities and was encouraged by his father, a corporate executive, to become an entrepreneur.

1955: High School Graduation

In 1955, Roger Penske graduated from Shaker Heights High School.

1959: Graduation from Lehigh University

In 1959, Roger Penske graduated from Lehigh University, where he was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.

1961: SCCA Driver of the Year

In 1961, Roger Penske was named SCCA Driver of the Year by Sports Illustrated.

1963: NASCAR Win at Riverside

In 1963, Roger Penske won a NASCAR Pacific Coast Late Model race at Riverside.

1965: Retirement from Racing

In 1965, Roger Penske retired from racing to focus on his first Chevrolet dealership in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1966: Penske Racing Debut

In 1966, Penske Racing debuted at the 24 Hours of Daytona.

November 18, 2012: First NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship

On November 18, 2012, Penske won his first NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship with driver Brad Keselowski.

September 16, 2018: 500th Race Victory

On September 16, 2018, driver Brad Keselowski won the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, achieving Penske's 500th race victory as an owner across all racing series.