Team Penske has announced the passing of Roy McCauley, a beloved and influential figure in their NASCAR program. McCauley, who worked with the team for over two decades, was known as the “make it happen” guy whose contributions helped shape Team Penske into the powerhouse it is today.
McCauley began his tenure at Penske as a crew engineer, eventually rising to the role of crew chief in both the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NASCAR Cup Series. His journey as a crew chief began in 2005 with the legendary driver Ryan Newman in the Xfinity Series, where they enjoyed a remarkable season with six race wins. This success earned McCauley a promotion to the Cup Series, where he was tasked with guiding Kurt Busch in the No. 2 Team Penske Ford.
Though his initial stint in the Cup Series fell short of expectations, McCauley returned to the Xfinity Series and later rejoined Newman in the Cup Series in 2008. Together, they achieved a career-defining victory at the Daytona 500. McCauley later guided drivers Brad Keselowski and David Stremme with reasonable success before transitioning to more significant behind-the-scenes roles within the team.
Throughout his Cup career, which spanned 119 races, McCauley secured two victories, including a memorable win at Bristol with Kurt Busch. His achievements also included seven pole positions and leading over 475 laps. However, his most dominant performance came during the 2005 Xfinity Series season with Newman, where their partnership truly shined.
Team Penske statement on the passing of Roy McCauley. pic.twitter.com/YP4CJzgBIN
— Team Penske (@Team_Penske) August 14, 2024
Team Penske paid tribute to McCauley, highlighting his pivotal role in transforming their NASCAR assembly shop and driving their success. In a heartfelt statement, the team acknowledged the profound impact McCauley had on their organization and extended their prayers to his family.
As Team Penske reflects on the legacy of Roy McCauley, they remain focused on honoring his memory through continued success on the track. Having won both championships in the Next Gen era, the team is poised to compete for another title in 2024, with all three of their drivers in the playoffs.
