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MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 22: Team owner Roger Penske celebrates Josef Newgarden #2 of United States and Hitachi Team Penske Chevrolet winning the NTT IndyCar Series championship following the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on September 22, 2019 in Monterey, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
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MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 22: Team owner Roger Penske celebrates Josef Newgarden #2 of United States and Hitachi Team Penske Chevrolet winning the NTT IndyCar Series championship following the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on September 22, 2019 in Monterey, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
The 2022 NASCAR Next Gen cars have been the talk of the town ever since the season ended. Although reviews were generally positive in the early stages of 2021, opinions have since evolved. Admittedly, while there are some camps that support it, there are others who are still quite apprehensive. Then there is Team Penske founder/owner, Roger Penske.
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When he was asked to give his opinion about the new cars, he channeled his inner Kimi Raikkonen. He quipped, “I wish I could tell you“. It was quite evident that he was taking a ‘wait and see’ stance.
Roger asked his thoughts on the @NASCAR NextGen car.
"I wish I could tell you."
I think he just did.
— Nathan Brown (@By_NathanBrown) December 9, 2021
Until the season starts, his team and all other NASCAR Cup teams will be at work testing these cars. Fortunately, there are still a couple of tests remaining before the trial by fire at the LA Coliseum next year. According to reports, there are at least two more tests remaining, one of which will be later this month and one again in January.
What can Roger Penske expect from the 2022 season?
Last season, Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, and Brad Keselowski missed out on a Championship 4 berth. This time around, Logano and Blaney have another shot at it, but there is a new face joining them. In the wake of Keselowski’s departure to Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, Austin Cindric is taking his #2 seat.
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PERTH, AUSTRALIA – MAY 06: Roger Penske team owner of DJR Team Penske celebrates on the podium during race 7 for the Perth SuperSprint, which is part of the Supercars Championship at Barbagallo Raceway on May 6, 2017 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)
Obviously, Cindric is a talented driver, but he will likely have his work cut out for him. He will need to get up to speed quickly and try to keep up with Blaney and Logano. His job will be a little tougher since he is making his debut at the same time as the Next Gen car. On the bright side, the Next Gen cars are still new territory for all the drivers, so nobody can predict how the new season will take shape.
READ MORE: Brad Keselowski Sheds Light on Roger Penske’s Pivotal Role in His Career Ahead of his Penske Exit
