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Dating back to the 17th century, Thanksgiving has been a celebration of blessings for a prosperous agricultural year. These days, it celebrates a year of good fortune in all walks of life. 

Team Penske has a lot to be thankful for in 2014. The storied organization enjoyed one of its most successful seasons in history across both its NASCAR and INDYCAR operations. While Team Penske came very close to becoming the first team in motorsports history to win the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS), NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) and Verizon IndyCar Series titles in the same year, it was able to capture two of the three titles while finishing among the top five in the NSCS standings. Team Penske was also able to add a championship-caliber driver in Simon Pagenaud to its INDYCAR team and, for the first time in history, the team is entering the Australian V8 Supercars Championship with former series champion Marcos Ambrose. 

Team Penske prides itself on being an organization that competes and excels in several different series and disciplines. Everyone that works within the walls of the Mooresville, NC team headquarters is part of a family. Like many families do this time of year – in a tradition that began a few years ago – all team members and their families were invited to Thanksgiving dinner at the Team Penske facility on Tuesday evening. 

Many of the team’s drivers attended the event, giving their own thanks to not only the team members for their tireless efforts this year, but also to the understanding family members who are supportive while their loved ones are on the road.

“When we sign up to work on racecars we know the sacrifices we will have to make,” said Pagenaud, the newest member of the team that came on board at the end of September. “But our family members also share in that. They are the ones that keep everything together while we are on the road, doing what we love to do. It wouldn’t be possible without them. That’s why it’s so cool that Roger Penske does this for our employees and families. You can quickly see why this is such a successful organization.”

Turkey, dressing and all the trimmings were served for over 500 people at the team celebration. The No. 22 Discount Tire/Hertz Ford Mustang that captured the NNS Owners’ Championship for the second-consecutive year was on display for pictures, along with the championship trophy. 

In addition, the No. 12 Verizon Dallara/Chevrolet that won the 2014 Verizon IndyCar Series title was in the shop, just hours after participating in the 2014 Town of Mooresville Christmas Parade. Veteran chief mechanic, Billy Vincent, piloted the Chevrolet down Main Street of “Race City, USA” with mechanics Jeremy Baker and Will Schneider dressed as elves, riding on the side pods of the IndyCar and tossing out candy in what was a holiday sight to behold. 

So from the Team Penske family to yours, have a Happy Thanksgiving and a joyous start to the holiday season.