Roger Penske is a racing driver from United States who last raced in Formula 1 for Lotus-Climax. Penske has recorded 0 wins and 0 podiums from 2 starts.[1]
A Racer Rating of 3,435 ranks Penske 1845th of 15,348 indexed drivers, on an Elo scale where the strongest reach the low five figures. It is built from every indexed race in the driver's file, decayed for time since their last race.
| 1962-10-07 | Watkins Glen | P9 | +34 |
| Season | Series | Team | Races | Wins | Podiums | DNFs | Poles | Points | Pos | Gain/Loss | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1962 | ▸Formula 1 | Lotus-Climax | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | P20 | +34 | 3,451 |
| 1961 | ▸Formula 1 | Cooper-Climax | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | P18 | +43 | 3,437 |
Roger Penske's racing driver career lasted two seasons, comprising two Formula 1 starts for Lotus-Climax in 1961 and 1962. He did not score points or podium finishes in either outing. His single classified result came in 1962, when he finished twentieth. Despite the brevity and lack of success at the top level, Penske raced against drivers of considerable standing; he finished ahead of Olivier Gendebien, a four-time Le Mans winner and front-ranking professional of his era, in one encounter, and outpaced Hap Sharp twice, a driver of similar calibre who competed extensively in contemporary international racing.[1]
Penske's profile in the database reflects a driver who competed at the pinnacle of single-seater racing but did not establish himself there. His Racer Rating of 3,435 places him within the range of semi-professional and professional drivers of the era who saw limited opportunities in Formula 1. That he raced for Lotus against peers of considerably higher standing, his finishing average of eighth place against classified competitors gives some indication of the field's depth, suggests he was capable at his chosen level, even if circumstances or ability did not permit a sustained career in the championship.[2]
What is known of Penske's later trajectory comes from sources beyond this racing record. He went on to become one of motorsport's most successful and influential team owners, building Team Penske into a dominant force across multiple series and acquiring major racing properties including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The arc from brief driver to legendary entrepreneur represents one of motorsport's most complete transformations.