Team Penske enters the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season with something it is not used to carrying: unfinished business. For the first time in several years, the organization failed to place a car in the Championship 4, watching the title slip away at Phoenix. With the return of The Chase format and no eliminations, Penske’s focus shifts from surviving playoff rounds to delivering week-to-week consistency. The talent is unquestioned, but execution across all three cars will determine whether the organization returns to championship form.

Austin Cindric faces a pivotal season in the No. 2 Ford. While he remains one of the best superspeedway racers in the series, his overall results have lagged behind his championship-winning teammates. A Talladega win and strong laps-led totals in 2025 showed his upside, but inconsistency continues to hold him back. With the Chase format placing more emphasis on regular-season performance, Cindric must prove he can run near the front across all track types. A complete season could finally unlock his full potential.

Ryan Blaney once again looks like the backbone of Team Penske. Despite missing out on the Championship 4, he delivered the strongest season of his career in 2025, setting personal bests in wins, top fives, and laps led. The only thing keeping Blaney from another title run was reliability, as DNFs wiped away several strong performances. If the No. 12 team can clean that up, Blaney enters 2026 as one of the favorites to win the Bill France Cup under the new format.

Joey Logano remains one of the most fascinating storylines in the garage. Known for thriving in even-numbered years, Logano now faces a championship system that is very different from the one that delivered his previous titles. Recent seasons have been uneven, with average finishes slipping and consistency becoming an issue. Still, Logano’s experience and ability to rise when the pressure is highest cannot be ignored. A rebound season would put him right back in the title hunt.

For Team Penske, 2026 is about restoring dominance. With three proven drivers, elite equipment, and a fresh championship format, the opportunity is there. If Penske can steady the highs and lows and deliver consistent performance across its lineup, the organization should once again be battling for the sport’s biggest prize.