Note: This new series gathers the Inside Line panel to discuss the major storyline surrounding each NTT INDYCAR SERIES team entering the 2026 season. An installment on each team will appear at INDYCAR.com on Fridays.

Curt Cavin: Is it possible Team Penske is the most interesting organization for 2026? I think it is, and I could spend an afternoon detailing the nuances to what must be considered a comeback season for Roger Penske’s legendary team. But to drill down on one aspect of it, I am eager to see if Josef Newgarden’s Nashville win to end this season becomes a springboard to renewed series relevance. It’s still amazing to consider that the two-time series champion was 18th in this year’s standings with two races to go. This was the first year since Newgarden (photo, top) joined Team Penske in 2017 that he didn’t win multiple races, and it was only the second time in that nine-year span that he didn’t finish in the top five of the standings. (He finished eighth in 2024.) Year 10 with Team Penske is expected to be a significant one for Newgarden as it’s believed he will be in the last year of his current contract. Is he back to championship contention? Does he re-up? Does he sign elsewhere as Will Power did? All good questions.

Jonathan Diuguid

Eric Smith: I’m curious to see whether the reworked team structure sparks a rebound season. After internal turmoil, including the May firings of Tim Cindric, Ron Ruzewski and Kyle Moyer following Indianapolis 500 rules infractions -- Team Penske enters 2026 with a refreshed leadership group. Jonathan Diuguid (president, photo, above) and Travis Law (competition director) took over in July, and the organization closed the year strong with two wins in the final three races via Will Power at Portland and Josef Newgarden at Nashville Superspeedway. The team now turns the page. David Malukas arrives to replace the departing Power, Scott McLaughlin aims to rebound from his first winless season in the series, and Newgarden looks to recover from his lowest points finish since joining Team Penske in 2017. It’s a different-looking group and 2026 will reveal whether that change is the catalyst the team needs.

David Malukas

Paul Kelly: Call me a master of the obvious, but I’m very curious to see how David Malukas integrates in 2026 into the most fabled team in INDYCAR SERIES racing. Malukas (photo, above) has shown plenty of promise, especially on ovals, but the fact remains he is winless in four full seasons in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Chip Ganassi likes to grin and say, “I like winners,” but Roger Penske also has an affinity for Victory Lane, too. The Captain doesn’t hire drivers to accumulate points; he expects victories. Scott McLaughlin didn’t win a race in his first season with Penske in 2021, but he was a rookie in the series and new to big-time open-wheel racing after spending nearly all of his career in Australian touring cars. The expectations will be – and should be – higher for Malukas. “Little Dave” is one of the nicest, most real guys in the series, so I hope he enters the winner’s circle quickly next season, or the pressure will mount quickly.