SONOMA, Calif. (AP) – Roger Penske’s drivers had just finished 1-2-3 in the IndyCar standings, and shaking up his lineup didn’t seem to be a priority.
But with Josef Newgarden available in free agency, The Captain made a cutthroat move and bounced Indianapolis 500 winner Juan Pablo Montoya out of his ride to sign the up-and-coming American.
Almost a year to the day later, the shrewd move resulted in a 15th IndyCar championship for Team Penske.
Newgarden closed out the best year of his career – his first with Penske – as the top driver in IndyCar. His nearly flawless performance Sunday at Sonoma Raceway made Newgarden only the second American in 11 years to win the IndyCar title, joining 2012 champion Ryan Hunter-Reay.
“When we saw he was available … I think we saw the opportunity,” Penske said. “I don’t think in business you always have the perfect time for something.”