Highlights
- Tim Cindric was fired as Team Penske President in May 2025 after a cheating scandal involving illegal car modifications at the Indianapolis 500.
- His estimated net worth is $3-6 million from his 25-year motorsports executive career.
- His son, Austin Cindric, continues racing successfully for Team Penske despite his father’s dismissal.
Tim Cindric, one of the most respected names in American motorsports and the longtime President of Team Penske, has recently been the center of a high-profile controversy that has shaken the racing world.
Following the 2025 Indianapolis 500 cheating scandal, Roger Penske abruptly terminated Cindric’s contract, ending a 25-year tenure that helped shape the modern era of IndyCar success.
Statement from Tim Cindric
byu/sadandshy inINDYCAR
In this article, we’ll look closely at Tim Cindric’s net worth, his accomplished career, and the scandal that led to his stunning exit from one of racing’s most iconic teams.
Tim Cindric Is A Renowned American Motorsports Executive
Born on April 20, 1968, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Timothy J. Cindric is a seasoned motorsports executive and strategist.
A Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology graduate, he was a four-year basketball letterman before pivoting to racing management.
Hanging with @AustinCindric @pawnstars palace today!! pic.twitter.com/IaspMyR6oF
— Tim Cindric (@TimCindric) March 7, 2014
Cindric rose through the motorsports ranks, beginning his career as Team Manager for Team Rahal from 1994 to 1999.
He joined Team Penske later that year and was promoted to President of Penske Racing in 2006.
You didn’t want to be the one trying to throw the ball in bounds at a Franklin Central HS basketball game with this guy screaming behind you. Lots of fun memories. RIP Legend pic.twitter.com/Z1kt3KFDdR
— Tim Cindric (@TimCindric) August 28, 2024
He was instrumental in the team’s IndyCar dominance throughout his tenure, acting as a key strategist for drivers like Will Power and Josef Newgarden.
Under his leadership, Team Penske claimed multiple IndyCar championships in 2014, 2017, and 2019.
Tim Cindric’s Net Worth Is In Millions
While an official figure hasn’t been publicly confirmed, Tim Cindric’s net worth is estimated to be between $3 million and $6 million as of 2025.
The majority of his income likely stemmed from a substantial executive salary from Team Penske.
What do you think happened here? Still can't believe it! #TrumpCharlotte pic.twitter.com/kAUTN5untQ
— Tim Cindric (@TimCindric) June 21, 2018
Likewise, appearances, consulting in motorsports media, endorsements, and performance bonuses tied to team success generate income.
Furthermore, given his decades-long association with one of the top racing teams in the world, his financial portfolio is likely diverse and includes both corporate and personal motorsports ventures.
The Cheating Scandal That Has Ended Tim Cindric’s Career
On May 8, 2025, just days after a controversial qualifying session for the 109th Indianapolis 500, Roger Penske fired him, along with Kyle Moyer (IndyCar GM) and Ron Ruzewski (managing director).
The dismissal followed the discovery of illegally modified parts on the cars of Josef Newgarden and Will Power, two top Penske drivers.
Both cars failed post-qualifying inspection, were deemed non-compliant, and were relegated to the back of the grid, casting a shadow over the prestigious race.
In a public statement, Penske said:
“Nothing is more important than the integrity of our sport and our race teams. We had to make necessary changes.”
Via ksnt.com
This marked the second cheating-related controversy in two years, sparking frustration and criticism from rival teams.
Tim Is Also The Father Of Driver Austin Cindric
Tim Cindric is also known as the father of Austin Cindric, a rising NASCAR star who won the 2022 Daytona 500 and now races full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for Team Penske.
Austin has also raced in ARCA, IMSA, and the NASCAR Xfinity and Truck Series, playing a crucial role in Penske’s 2017 Xfinity Series Owner’s Championship.
Despite Tim’s fall from grace within Penske’s leadership, his son’s future in racing appears stable and promising.
