The incredible journey of Roger Penske is also a tribute to his wife, Kathy, who has been his partner in life and business for over 50 years.
Roger Searle Penske, known as “the Captain,” stands as one of America’s most successful auto racing team owners and businessmen.
Born on February 20, 1937, in Shaker Heights, Ohio, Penske transformed from a promising young driver into a motorsports empire builder.
He founded Team Penske in 1966, which has achieved remarkable success with 47 championships and over 600 victories across all racing series.
Beyond racing, Penske chairs the Penske Corporation, a multi-billion-dollar enterprise encompassing automobile dealerships, truck leasing, and racing businesses.
His business acumen led him to acquire iconic properties, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IndyCar itself, in 2019.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient has built an unmatched legacy in motorsports, with Team Penske claiming 20 Indianapolis 500 victories and five NASCAR Cup Series championships.
At 88 years old, Penske continues to lead his empire with the same dedication that earned him legendary status in American racing.
Roger Penske’s Wife Played a Key Role in His Rise
Behind Roger Penske’s extraordinary success stands Kathryn “Kathy” Penske, the woman who has provided unwavering support throughout his rise to motorsports royalty.
Their love story began in 1973 when fate brought them together at a Colorado ski resort, where Kathy worked as a staff member.
The meeting sparked an immediate connection that would bloom into a partnership lasting over five decades.
Their whirlwind romance culminated in marriage in 1973, the same year they met, suggesting it truly was love at first sight.
The timing of their union proved significant, as Roger was transitioning from his racing career to focus on building his business empire.
In 1965, he had retired from professional driving to concentrate on his first Chevrolet dealership in Philadelphia, marking the beginning of what would become the Penske Corporation.
Kathy’s entrance into his life coincided with this pivotal moment, positioning her as both witness and supporter of his transformation from racer to business magnate.
Their marriage represents Roger’s second attempt at lasting love.
His first marriage to Lissa Stouffer in the early 1960s had produced two children, Mark and Roger Penske Jr., but ended in divorce around the same time he retired from racing.
The dissolution of his first marriage during this transitional period in his career made his connection with Kathy even more meaningful, as she became his partner during his most ambitious business ventures.
Together, Roger and Kathy built a family that would continue the Penske legacy.
They welcomed three children: Jay, Gregory, and Blair Penske.
Jay has carved his own path as chairman and CEO of Penske Media Corporation, while Gregory serves as chairman and CEO of Penske Motor Group, directly continuing the family’s automotive tradition.
Their daughter, Blair, born in 1980, graduated from Cornell University and worked as a host at Deer Valley Resort in Park City, Utah, before marrying Brandon Porter Hall in 2003.
Throughout Roger’s demanding career, Kathy has remained his constant companion and advisor.
Industry observers have noted her significant behind-the-scenes influence, describing her as providing “golden guidance” as Team Penske evolved into an unstoppable force in motorsports.
Her support proved crucial during the team’s most challenging periods and celebrated victories, including their dominance at the Indianapolis 500 and success in NASCAR competition.
However, Kathy’s role extends beyond mere cheerleader. As Roger entered his eighties, she began expressing concerns about his relentless work schedule.
In 2018, when Roger was 81, he revealed that Kathy had grown impatient with his retirement plans, frequently asking when he might step back from his hectic responsibilities managing Team Penske, IndyCar, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and his various business enterprises.
Her concerns reflected not only a wife’s care for her husband’s well-being but also a realistic assessment of the physical demands of running a multi-billion-dollar empire.
.@realDonaldTrump with the legendary Roger Penske and his wife of 46 years, Kathy as Penske received the Presidential Medal Of Freedom. pic.twitter.com/tyfqVxPLy1
— John Roberts (@johnrobertsFox) October 24, 2019
Despite Kathy’s gentle pressure, Roger has shown no signs of slowing down. At 88, he remains actively involved in all aspects of his businesses, driven by the same passion that originally attracted him to racing.
His continued dedication to excellence has kept Team Penske at the forefront of motorsports, with recent NASCAR Cup Series championships proving that age has not diminished his competitive edge.
The Penske marriage showcases the power of partnership in building lasting success.
While Roger receives public recognition for his achievements, those within the racing community understand that Kathy’s contributions have been equally vital.
Her stability and support provided the foundation that allowed Roger to take the risks necessary to build his empire, from his early dealership investments to his recent acquisition of Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Their relationship also demonstrates remarkable longevity in an industry known for high-pressure demands and frequent travel.
Maintaining a strong marriage for over fifty years while building a global business empire requires exceptional commitment from both partners.
Kathy’s willingness to embrace the racing lifestyle, with its constant travel and public scrutiny, enabled Roger to pursue his ambitions without sacrificing family stability.
Today, the Penskes enjoy widespread respect throughout the racing community.
Their enduring partnership inspires others in the high-stakes world of professional motorsports, where personal relationships often suffer under career pressures.
Kathy’s quiet strength and steadfast support have earned her recognition as an integral part of the Penske success story, even as she maintains a relatively private profile compared to her famous husband.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- He donated $500,000 to Mitt Romney’s Super PAC “Restore Our Future” and contributed $45,000 to Donald Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign after endorsing him.
- Kathy, born Kathryn Hulbert on June 1, 1947, came from a close-knit family as the daughter of Robinson and Cark A. Hulbert.
- She grew up alongside three siblings – Joann, Steven, and David Hulbert – and pursued a career as an English school teacher before her life intersected with Roger’s.
