Astemo, Ltd. has confirmed its continued partnership with Team Penske for the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES, marking an impressive 15th consecutive year of collaboration. The bright red No. 2 Dallara/Chevrolet, driven by Josef Newgarden, will prominently feature the Astemo logo at nine races throughout the upcoming season.
Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Astemo Americas, Rob Sharpe, emphasized the fruitful relationship between Astemo and Team Penske, stating, "We’re looking forward to continued success in 2026. Our partnerships with Team Penske and Chevrolet have proven to be highly successful both on and off the track. The business relationships we’ve developed as a result of our motorsports programs are without equal."
In addition to their standard races, Astemo will proudly sponsor the No. 2 car at the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C., which is set to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. This special event illustrates the growing significance of motorsports in American culture and Astemo's commitment to aligning its brand with such milestones.
As Team Penske celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2026, the focus will remain firmly on adding to its illustrious legacy of 20 Indianapolis 500 victories and 17 INDYCAR series titles. After Newgarden's notable wins at the Indianapolis 500 in 2023 and 2024, expectations are high for the upcoming season. Sharpe noted, "The 2025 season ended on a high note with a Newgarden Team Penske win at the Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix in Nashville," instilling confidence in the team's ability to replicate that success.
Newgarden, a two-time series champion, has solidified his place as one of American motorsports’ standout figures. Having established himself as the first driver in over two decades to achieve back-to-back Indianapolis 500 wins, his presence is significant. He has completed 14 seasons in North America's most elite open-wheel series, a testament to his lasting legacy within the sport.
As the countdown to the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES begins, Astemo, Team Penske, and Chevrolet are set to rekindle their longstanding alliance, delivering cutting-edge performance for fans and participants alike. The complete schedule for the upcoming season includes races across various iconic locations.
The anticipated race schedule includes:
- **March 1**: St. Petersburg, FL - Streets of St. Petersburg - **March 7**: Avondale, AZ - Phoenix Raceway - **May 24**: Indianapolis, IN - 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500 - **August 23**: Washington, D.C. - Streets of Washington
Astemo’s role is critical in supplying fuel-system components for the 2.2-liter twin-turbocharged Chevrolet race engines, ensuring that each vehicle operates at peak performance.
Astemo, headquartered in Tokyo, is a collaboration among Hitachi, Honda, and JIC Capital. With a workforce of 80,000, the corporation is engaged in several automotive sectors including electrification and integrated vehicle controls, holding firm to high industry standards. The company’s commitment to innovation aligns with a broader mission to foster a sustainable society and enhance corporate value.
The partnership between Astemo and Team Penske serves as a benchmark within motorsport sponsorship, illustrating the power of collaboration in achieving success both on the circuit and in business.
Looking ahead, the partnership appears poised for yet another season of achievements and accolades. As Newgarden gears up for another competitive year, fans and stakeholders alike will be eagerly watching to see what triumphs the combination of experience and innovation will yield in 2026.
