The title of the article is: ‘TENSIVE’ Zak Brown asks IndyCar to investigate Roger Penske’s deliberate failure to add new race venues to the calendar puts America’s premier open-wheel racing series at risk of being in jeopardy as major sponsors pull out

In the high-stakes world of American open-wheel racing, tensions are boiling over as McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown has publicly called for an investigation into IndyCar Series owner Roger Penske’s approach to expanding the calendar. Brown accuses Penske of deliberately failing to introduce new race venues, a move he claims is endangering the NTT IndyCar Series’ future. With the 2026 season opener in St. Petersburg approaching rapidly, Brown’s outspoken criticism highlights deeper frustrations among team owners and stakeholders about stagnant growth, lost opportunities, and the potential exodus of major sponsors.

Brown, a prominent figure in motorsport who has successfully elevated McLaren’s profile in Formula 1 and IndyCar, has long advocated for bold changes to IndyCar’s schedule. He has repeatedly emphasized the need for races in larger metropolitan areas to boost visibility, attract younger audiences, and secure bigger sponsorship deals. In interviews throughout 2025, Brown pointed to markets like New York City, Denver, and a return to venues such as Watkins Glen or even international spots in Mexico as essential for expansion.

He argued that while fiscal caution is understandable, IndyCar must “play offense” by investing in high-profile events that may not immediately turn a profit but would drive long-term growth through increased TV ratings, attendance, and commercial interest.

The core of Brown’s latest grievance centers on what he describes as Penske’s intentional reluctance to add fresh tracks. Despite Penske Entertainment’s ownership of the series since 2019—including the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway—critics like Brown contend that the calendar has remained conservative, prioritizing cost control over aggressive expansion. The 2026 schedule, initially set at 17 races, faced criticism for missing out on previously hyped opportunities, such as a confirmed event in Mexico that fell through after months of promotion.

Brown has suggested this pattern reflects a deliberate strategy, potentially to protect existing promoter interests or avoid financial risks, but one that stifles the series’ potential.

This situation is particularly charged given Penske’s dual role as series owner and a major team principal through Team Penske. Conflicts of interest have been a recurring theme, especially after high-profile incidents in 2025 involving Team Penske. The team faced multiple technical infractions, including failures during Indy 500 qualifying that sidelined star drivers Josef Newgarden and Will Power, sparking widespread debate about integrity and oversight. Brown was vocal then too, questioning decision-making within Penske’s organization and describing the scandals as damaging to the sport’s reputation.

While those issues were resolved internally, they fueled perceptions of favoritism or lax enforcement under Penske’s leadership.

Brown’s call for an investigation specifically targets the calendar decisions, urging IndyCar—effectively Penske Entertainment—to examine whether the failure to secure new venues constitutes a breach of responsibility to grow the series. He argues that without new, high-profile races, IndyCar risks alienating fans and sponsors who demand broader exposure. Recent developments have amplified these concerns. Several teams have reported sponsorship challenges, with Arrow McLaren—Brown’s own operation—losing a major primary partner, NTT Data, which exercised an opt-out clause after 2026.

Other outfits have seen fluctuations in support, with some attributing pullbacks to stagnant viewership and limited market reach tied to a predictable calendar.

The irony is sharp: just as Brown pushes for change, Penske Entertainment secured a significant boost in July 2025 when FOX Corporation acquired a one-third stake in the company, extending the TV deal through 2030. Brown initially welcomed the move as “very positive,” noting it could enable new events, sponsorships, and attendance growth. Yet, the lack of immediate calendar innovation has soured some views, with Brown and others feeling the investment has not translated into the aggressive expansion needed.

Adding complexity, the 2026 calendar has seen a dramatic late addition: the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C., an 18th race on the National Mall from August 21-23. Announced following an executive order from President Donald Trump to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, the event involves Penske Entertainment as promoter and promises a spectacle through iconic landmarks. Roger Penske praised it as a “tremendous racing spectacle” honoring the nation’s independence and motorsports legacy.

While this development counters claims of total inaction, critics like Brown may view it as too little, too late—or politically driven rather than strategically planned—especially since it fills a previously open weekend amid a compressed end-of-season stretch.

Team owners and drivers have echoed aspects of Brown’s frustration. Pato O’Ward and others have highlighted the need for dynamic growth to compete with NASCAR and Formula 1’s U.S. expansion. The series’ focus on ovals and street circuits in familiar markets like Long Beach, Detroit, and Toronto is solid but lacks the buzz of major new venues. Brown’s push for bigger cities aligns with successful models elsewhere: Formula 1’s street races in Miami and Las Vegas have exploded in popularity, drawing massive crowds and sponsors.

As IndyCar navigates these tensions, the risk of jeopardy looms if sponsor confidence erodes further. Major backers seek return on investment through broad appeal, and a static calendar could accelerate pullouts, reducing team budgets and competitiveness. Brown’s investigation demand, while provocative, underscores a broader debate: should Penske, as owner, prioritize stability or embrace risk for growth?

With the season imminent, all eyes are on whether this “tensive” standoff leads to meaningful reform or deeper divisions. IndyCar remains America’s premier open-wheel series, boasting thrilling racing and stars like Alex Palou, Scott Dixon, and emerging talents. But without addressing calendar stagnation, the path forward could grow increasingly uncertain. Brown’s voice, amplified by his success elsewhere, may force the conversation IndyCar needs—whether Penske welcomes it or not.