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Penske Inducted Into Sonoma Raceway “Wall of Fame”

Roger Penske shown being inducted into Sonoma Raceway's "Wall of Fame" by track president and general manager Steve Page. [Joe Jennings Photo]

Roger Penske shown being inducted into Sonoma Raceway’s “Wall of Fame” by track president and general manager Steve Page. [Joe Jennings Photo]

Sonoma, Calif. – Legendary car owner Roger Penske was inducted into Sonoma Raceway’s “Wall of Fame” in a ceremony on Saturday afternoon. The ceremony took place in victory lane and track president and general manager Steve Page made the presentation. Penske joins the likes of Rusty Wallace, Jeff Gordon, Bruton Smith, Don Prudhomme, Mark Martin, John Force, Doug Kalitta and others, who were previously recognized.

“We started the tradition years back of recognizing competitors and people in the industry who have had a great history with this track, and I can’t think of anybody who is more deserving,” said Page. “When you look at the motor racing industry and his body of work, from someone who has competed here since 1969 (winning the TransAm championship) and who built cars, engines and race tracks and has brought corporate America to a sport that is very dependent on sponsorship in a variety ways that has elevated the industry in a way like no one else could.”

Said Penske, “This award an honor is because of so many great people that have worked on our race team over the years. Winning the TransAm championship back in the 1960s was one of the biggest days of our career, and it is ironic that we are here tomorrow trying to win an IndyCar championship. When you think about the guys that are in the “Wall of Fame,” it is amazing.

“As I sit here today, I think about our friend Justin Wilson and while this is an honor to me, I ask that his name be added to my plaque. And I want to thank everyone at Team Penske and our 50,000 employees that allow us to go racing every day, as it is about the people, our outstanding drivers, the manufacturers and our sponsors. Without them we wouldn’t be here.

Hopefully, we will see you up here on Sunday.”

During a brief interview with reporters, Penske was obviously focused on Montoya’s run for the championship. “I’ve said to Juan that he’s had a great season, he’s tough and that he needs to bring the same playbook here,” Penske noted. The accomplished owner complimented everyone involved with the outpouring of support for Wilson.

Regarding the NASCAR Sprint Cup championship, Penske said he has two aces in Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano and he hopes his two are part of the final four in the season finale at Homestead.

Asked what it would feel like to win the NASCAR title, the Daytona 500, the Indianapolis 500 and the IndyCar championship in the same year, “It might be time to retire,” he said jokingly. “Our goal is to win them all and we already have two of them in the box. And add to that would be the NASCAR Xfinity Series owner’s title, but our immediate goal is tomorrow and we are well poised there if we execute the way we have. Last week at Pocono was critical to see the way Juan stayed out of trouble.”

He called Montoya the surprise of the season.

In addressing the IndyCar Series, Penske said while the series has had its ups and downs this year with Wilson’s death being the low point, he believes the series has momentum on its side with a bright future foreseen. “I feel great right where we are, particularly with the race in Boston and the chances for a longer season,” he said in closing.

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