RACER reported it first but it has since been confirmed that Team Penske will form an alliance with AJ Foyt Racing. The two prestigious organizations will merge in what is not so much out of the realm as one might think.

It’s a perfect pairing.

Penske already does this in NASCAR with the Wood Brothers so doing so in INDYCAR with a similar team in Foyt makes the upmost sense. Plus, it’s a place to help both sides improve.

Think of it as a learning and development team for Penske. New pit crew members, younger drivers, technical tweaks, etc. Try it out with Foyt before you do so with Penske.

It’s also a path for the Road to Indy drivers to Penske too. Force Indy benefit the most in now they have a direct path up to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES with taking a driver like Myles Rowe from USF2000 up to Indy NXT and then to Foyt to learn before a potential seat with Penske.

See, Penske has prided themselves on not taking chances at rookie drivers. This way they still don’t have to but can stash a driver for a year or two with Foyt before promoting them up.

For Foyt, you get Penske resources and can help provided immediate relief. You can easily sell sponsorship as well.

It’s a win-win for all sides.

Plus, it’s not like this isn’t already being done anyhow. Meyer Shank Racing and Andretti Autosport have an alliance and there’s been a rumor I’ve heard floating around that Arrow McLaren Racing and Juncos Hollinger Racing may form something similar.

Think about it, McLaren would like to grow but capped out where they are now. They can’t further grow until they move into Andretti’s current building. By merging forces with JHR, they have room now and as a result, helps JHR with resources too.

Which could leave Ed Carpenter Racing ironically enough, on an island to themselves if the four other Chevy teams each form alliances.

Strength in numbers one could say.