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As they’ve done for the last six years, Roger Penske and the Verizon IndyCar Series drivers of Team Penske visited the Verizon headquarters in Basking Ridge, N.J. for “Team Penske Day” at the sprawling campus. This season, however, the September 30 visit was more special than ever. 

This year the occasion was an opportunity to celebrate the first series title won by Will Power and the No. 12 Verizon Chevrolet team, along with a successful first season of Verizon’s title sponsorship of the IndyCar Series. In addition, Verizon also showcased some of the technology and innovations they’ve brought to the sport. Elements of the tech display and activities that were featured this year during the month of May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway were also on display for Verizon employees to experience the world of IndyCar racing.

Verizon has been with Power and Team Penske since the 2009 season in which Power ran a partial schedule, driving the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Indy car. The partnership grew into a full-season primary sponsorship in 2010, coinciding with Power’s run at three-consecutive runner-up finishes in the championship standings. It was only fitting that the Australian-born driver would pick up his first title in the first year that Verizon sponsored the series. 

“This championship would not have been possible without the support of Dan Mead, Lowell McAdam and everyone at Verizon,” said Power, recognizing Verizon’s senior leaders. “I’ve always wanted to come back to one of these events as the champion so that I could properly thank everyone for believing in me. This year we were able to do it.”

The day’s activities included a Q&A session with Roger Penske, Power, Helio Castroneves, Juan Pablo Montoya and the newest member of Team Penske – Simon Pagenaud, a pit stop demonstration with Power and the Verizon Chevrolet, transporter tours, employee-engagement activities and an autograph session with the drivers. Those in attendance also got a treat as Mead, President and CEO of Verizon Wireless, joined Penske, Power and Penske Racing President Tim Cindric in unveiling the No. 1 car, the number reserved for the series champion each year. Hundreds of employees enjoyed the afternoon’s activities as they got a chance to engage with Team Penske in a personal way and celebrate a special season.

With the memories of a title-winning season still fresh, the now four-car operation will begin preparations to keep the Astor Cup trophy within the walls of Team Penske in 2015 as off-season testing is set to begin in the coming weeks for the Verizon IndyCar Series.