“Success is where preparation and opportunity meet,” Bobby Unser stated. This timeless quote perfectly captures the essence of the newly forged partnership between Roger Penske and Wood Brothers Racing, two legendary names in motorsports. Their collaboration has sparked excitement across the racing world, blending decades of expertise with a shared commitment to innovation and tradition.
As NASCAR undergoes transformative changes, this alliance arrives at a crucial moment, offering a unique combination of history and modernity that has fans and industry insiders eagerly anticipating its impact on future competitions. In a sport where milliseconds define legacies, could this partnership be the next game-changer?
The future of the Penske-Wood Brothers collaboration
Looking ahead, this partnership between Roger Penske and Wood Brothers Racing could redefine NASCAR’s competitive landscape. The centerpiece of this collaboration is a stunning throwback paint scheme inspired by one of the most revolutionary cars in racing history, the 1965 Lotus-Ford, which delivered a shaking victory at the Indianapolis 500. Jim Clark, the quiet yet ruthless Scottish talent, piloted the car to an emphatic win, leading 190 of 200 laps.
That day wasn’t just about a dominant performance; it was about proving that the future had arrived. The Lotus 38 wasn’t a heavy, front-engined roadster like its competitors. It was sleek, nimble, and built with an aircraft-inspired monocoque chassis, paired with a Ford V8 nestled in the rear. The combination was unstoppable, and in one afternoon, IndyCar racing was changed forever.
NASCAR took to its X account and wrote, “Changing the game is what this team’s all about. @woodbrothers21 is throwing it back at @TooToughToTame with this paint scheme inspired by the revolutionary 1965 Lotus-Ford. #NASCARThrowback.”
Changing the game is what this team’s all about.@woodbrothers21 is throwing it back at @TooToughToTame with this paint scheme inspired by the revolutionary 1965 Lotus-Ford. #NASCARThrowback pic.twitter.com/hRhBLshuhF
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) March 20, 2025
Now with Josh Berry driving the No. 21 Ford Mustang for Wood Brothers Racing and Penske’s resources backing the team, there is potential for a resurgence that could elevate both teams to new heights. Berry’s recent performances have already shown promise, with strong finishes at Phoenix and Las Vegas, signaling improved competitiveness for Wood Brothers Racing.
As NASCAR continues to evolve, technical alliances like this one are becoming increasingly important for smaller teams looking to stay competitive against larger organizations. However, critics have raised concerns about whether such partnerships risk overshadowing smaller teams’ identities. Denny Hamlin recently questioned whether Wood Brothers Racing might become too closely aligned with Team Penske rather than maintaining its independent legacy.
Despite these concerns, both teams appear committed to balancing tradition with modernization. The Wood Brothers’ partnership with PPG further underscores this commitment, with PPG serving as the primary sponsor for Berry’s No. 21 Mustang at key events like the Brickyard 400. “It is an honor to have the PPG livery on the Wood Brothers’ Mustang as the team celebrates its 75th anniversary,” said Bill Shaw of PPG.
Roger Penske’s strategic vision ensures that both teams can thrive without compromising their individual identities. By sharing technical expertise while maintaining separate operations, Penske and Wood Brothers Racing exemplify how collaboration can drive success without diluting legacy or tradition.
This partnership also highlights broader trends within NASCAR as teams increasingly rely on resource sharing and innovation to compete at higher levels. The resurgence of Wood Brothers Racing under Josh Berry’s leadership demonstrates how smaller teams can leverage alliances with powerhouse organizations to achieve success on par with larger competitors.
As this partnership evolves, it faces challenges that could shape its future trajectory in NASCAR. Balancing tradition with modernization will be crucial for sustained success; while honoring their rich histories is essential, adapting to new technologies and strategies will determine their ability to remain competitive in an ever-changing landscape.
A tribute to history: The 1965 Lotus-Ford legacy reimagined
Fans have been captivated by the tribute’s execution, recognizing it as more than just another retro paint job. One fan declared, “That’s probably my favorite paint scheme in 20 years.” And it’s easy to see why, this isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a homage to a car that forced the racing world to evolve. The 1965 Lotus-Ford wasn’t just a winner; it was a statement, just as this paint scheme is today.
Another fan, awestruck by the livery’s elegance, exclaimed, “Holy s— that is stunning!!! It has to win so I can paint it like this.” It echoes the same reaction the motorsport world had nearly six decades ago when Clark’s green-and-yellow Lotus streaked across the Brickyard, leaving behind the last breaths of an outdated racing philosophy. The Lotus 38 was built to be different, just like this scheme, beautiful yet purposeful, sleek yet aggressive.
For many, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway would have been the ideal setting for this tribute. “Would’ve made way more sense to run this at the Brickyard. Still looks awesome though,” one fan pointed out. And they’re right because it was at that very venue in 1965 that Clark and Lotus defied expectations, ending the front-engine era in IndyCar. Running this scheme at the Brickyard would have been poetic, but even here, it carries the weight of that legacy.
The surprise factor of a Lotus-inspired NASCAR scheme was also a major talking point, with a fan exclaiming, “Wasn’t expecting a Lotus throwback ” another one goes with, “jim Clark reference in big 2025” The significance of Jim Clark’s influence stretching into modern stock car racing is monumental. He was a Formula 1 world champion, an Indy 500 winner, and a driver whose precision and smoothness remain legendary. Seeing his legacy resurface in this form has struck a chord with fans across different racing disciplines.
Despite the debates on timing and venue, the general consensus remains clear: this scheme is special. “Yeah, this is a contender for the best scheme this season,” a fan remarked. And rightfully so. Just as the Lotus 38 changed the course of racing history, this tribute has reminded the world why motorsports is built on innovation, risk-taking, and a deep reverence for the legends who paved the way.
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