Trump Receives “Open Invitation” to the Indy 500 from Roger Penske

At a White House ceremony celebrating Team Penske’s triumphant seasons across NASCAR, IndyCar, and IMSA, Team Penske owner Roger Penske surprised President Donald Trump with a personal offer: “You have an open invitation to the Indy 500.”

The exchange came as the President lauded Team Penske’s recent accomplishments—most notably Joey Logano’s NASCAR Cup Series title, Josef Newgarden’s Indianapolis 500 victory, and the Porsche Penske Motorsport squad’s IMSA GTP championship. Penske, a motorsports legend whose teams have claimed a record 19 Indy 500 wins, extended the invitation with characteristic humility and a touch of humor.

Trump, clearly intrigued, replied with enthusiasm: “I’ll have to get there. I want to get there, maybe this year.” His remark drew warm applause from the assembled champions, team principals, and White House staff.

A Storied Tradition

The Indy 500 has long been a marquee event on America’s sporting calendar, and Penske’s teams have played a central role in its modern history. From his first victory in 1972 with Mark Donohue to recent triumphs with Newgarden, Penske’s legacy at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is unparalleled. By inviting the President to witness the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” Penske underscored the race’s cultural significance—and hinted at a desire to share that experience with a head of state known for his own affinity for speed and spectacle.

Looking Ahead

If Trump takes Penske up on the offer, it would mark his first visit to the famed Brickyard since the 2015 race, when he attended as a private citizen. An appearance at this year’s 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 would draw significant attention—melding the worlds of politics and motorsports on one of the sport’s grandest stages.

For Team Penske, the White House visit was more than a photo op: it was a celebration of decades of engineering excellence and competitive spirit. And with a presidential guest list now extended to include Donald Trump, the stage is set for an even bigger story when engines roar to life on Memorial Day weekend.