CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 20, 2016 – Roger Penske’s fabled Team Penske is celebrating its 50th Anniversary during the 2016 racing season, and “The Captain” hosted a gala in Charlotte on Jan. 20, inviting team members, drivers and sponsors who were part of the operation which dates back to its first race in the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1966. Since then, cars owned and prepared by Team Penske have scored more than 420 major wins, over 480 pole positions and 28 National Championships across open-wheel, stock-car and sports-car racing.
In its storied history, the team has earned 16 Indianapolis 500 victories, two Daytona 500 wins, a Formula 1 win, and overall victories in the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. More than 80 drivers have raced for Penske in the past five decades.
Mr. Penske greets some 1,200 guests.its storied history, the team has earned 16 Indianapolis 500 victories, two Daytona 500 wins, a Formula 1 win, and overall victories in the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. More than 80 drivers have raced for Penske in the past five decades.
The gala was held at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, and 42 of those 80-plus drivers where there to celebrate, from George Follmer, George Wintersteen, Bobby Allison and others from the early years, to current stars – Will Power, Juan Pablo Montoya, Joey Lagano, Brad Keselowski and Helio Castroneves, among others.
Follmer, Wintersteen, Power, Montoya and Castroneves were joined in the celebration by fellow RRDC members AJ Allmendinger, Bill Alsup, Marcos Ambrose, Mario Andretti, Gil de Ferran, David Donohue, Emerson Fittipaldi, David Hobbs, Wolfgang Hustedt, Rick Mears, Leo Mehl, Max Papis, Sam Posey, Judy Stropus, Danny Sullivan and of course Mr. Penske himself. If we’ve left you out, we apologize!
More than 1200 guests were in attendance,with Jay Leno providing his comedy routine and even former President George W. Bush sending a video shout-out to The Captain.
Other RRDC members who have driven for Team Penske include Ryan Briscoe, Geoff Brabham, Bobby Brown, Craig Fisher, Jerry Hansen, Patrick Long, Charlie Parsons, Brian Redman, Johnny Rutherford and the late Ronnie Bucknum, Mark Donohue, Dick Guldstrand, Al Holbert, Bob Johnson, Peter Revson and Dr. Dick Thompson.
![Roger Penske is flanked by 42 of his drivers - past and present. [UTube screen grab]](https://s7757.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Penske-drivers-50.jpg)
Roger Penske is flanked by 42 of his drivers – past and present. [UTube screen grab]
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Our lady of the snapshots Judy Stropus was everywhere
Ever the gracious host, Roger mingles with his guests.
Gil de Ferran holding court.
Chuck Sprague, Danny Sullivan and Mark Penske.
Emmo with Kathy Penske.
David Donohue and George Wintersteen.
Leo Mehl and son Michael.
Helio and Adriana Castroneves chat with Max Papis.
George Wintersteen and Sam Posey enjoying a moment.
Bill Alsup getting a squeeze from Margaret Hobbs and Kim Eiser.
Just like at home… watching Jay Leno on the small screen.
Ellen Griesedieck (Posey), Margaret Hobbs and Gretchen Wintersteen swapping real war stories.
David and Margaret Hobbs.
Bobby and Lisa Unser.
Judy Stropus hands off the camera so she can get in the shot with George and Gretchen Wintersteen and Emerson Fittipaldi.
Juan Pablo and Connie Montoya chat with Mark Martin.
