Penske looking for consistency in IndyCar leadership

A Homestead this weekend Roger Penske said during a NASCAR press conference he is frustrated with the recent management changes at the top of the IZOD IndyCar Series.

“When I see the change at the top, it is a little disappointing to see they didn’t have a plan before making the change," he said while in Homestead, Fla., for the NASCAR finale. “There’s never been a leader there over the last several years that has stayed, and that’s a shame," he added. “In management, you need continuity just as much as you need continuity in our races. IndyCar needs strong leaders such as they have in NASCAR."

Commenting on Randy Bernard’s leadership, he praised the former IndyCar leader, “There were a lot of things that Randy brought to the table that were positive."

“I think the series is strong enough, and there are good owners and sponsors," he said. “If we can go into some of the new cities, such as Houston and Detroit, and succeed, it will be important as we go forward."

“From a safety and learning standpoint, we have to have drivers gain experience before they go to Indianapolis," he said.

With regard to the new car, “The fact that you can pass and not just run in a pack, it is good from the driver, safety and fan perspective. And it puts the driver back in the seat."

He also praised Ryan Hunter-Reay for his championship run. “Ryan did a great job, and he’s tough as nails. He did a good job at Baltimore (street course) and came back at California without a very good car where he pulled it together and delivered after Will’s (Power) accident. Ryan’s a good champion and will represent the sport well in 2013."