Team Penske dominated the qualifications for the 108th Indianapolis 500, with Scott McLaughlin grabbing the pole position with a record-setting speed of 234.220 miles per hour. This marked the second time in history that the same team swept all three positions on the front row, with Will Power and Josef Newgarden securing the second and third positions respectively. The last time this feat was achieved was in 1988 by Team Penske as well, with Rick Mears, Danny Sullivan, and Al Unser leading the front row.
McLaughlin drives the Pennzoil-sponsored car, Power drives the Verizon Chevrolet, and Newgarden drives the Shell Chevrolet. Team Penske is aiming for a repeat of their success in 1988, with Mears winning the race that year in the Pennzoil car. If McLaughlin emerges victorious on Race Day, it would mark Roger Penske’s 20th Indianapolis 500 win. The Speedway is anticipating a large crowd for the race, with less than 8,000 tickets remaining and the potential for the largest attendance since the 2016 centennial race.
In addition to the action on the track, there is exciting news off the track as well. Penske Entertainment announced a partnership with global technology leader Cisco to become an official partner of IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Through this collaboration, Cisco will provide a range of technology solutions, including networking infrastructure, collaboration tools, and cloud management. Cisco will also be the presenting sponsor of the NTT IndyCar Series Business Hub, an area for customer hospitality and tech forums at key events during the 2024 season.
Ashley Marusak, Leader of Global Sports Marketing at Cisco, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating that Cisco’s technology solutions align with the demands of Penske Entertainment’s properties. IndyCar President and CEO Mark Miles praised the partnership, highlighting Cisco’s reputation for innovation and customer service in the sports and entertainment industry. The collaboration with Cisco further strengthens IndyCar’s efforts to enhance fan experiences and drive technological advancements in the sport.
Cisco’s expertise in connecting and protecting premier venues, teams, and events around the world, including Formula 1’s McLaren Racing and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, bodes well for IndyCar’s future. The partnership is seen as a significant step in leveraging technology for fan engagement opportunities and enhancing operational efficiency across the Penske Entertainment portfolio. With the Indianapolis 500 just around the corner, the excitement is palpable both on and off the track at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
