Pennzoil Motorsports 2023 Year in Review
With every rev, drift, and roar in 2023, Pennzoil proudly powered drivers to the finish line. Whether hugging curves on the track or driving across the desert, these athletes trusted Pennzoil in their engines all season long.
Driven by passion and adrenaline, Pennzoil was proud to work with the elite of motorsports this past year — Formula 1, NASCAR, INDYCAR, Formula Drift, Ultra4, and the Rebelle Rally — to prove the unparalleled performance of Pennzoil Synthetics. Buckle up to look back on an epic motorsports season and how Pennzoil uses on-track technology to propel progress for your engine, too.
FORMULA 1
Scuderia Ferrari Drivers, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, took on the 2023 season with Shell Pennzoil powering each mile. Carlos Sainz took home the win at the Singapore Grand Prix in September, while Charles Leclerc crossed the finish line in podium position five times. The pair wrapped up the year with nine podium finishes.
Pennzoil sat down with Carlos Sainz to hear what it’s like to race for Scuderia Ferrari, and how he handles the pressure of some of the fastest racing in the world.
[In vision] F1 car zooms past screen. Cuts to Carlos Sainz sitting in chair in studio.
[On Screen]: CARLOS SAINZ
Carlos: It’s not easy being an F1 driver, knowing that you’re competing against the other best drivers in the world.
[in vision] cuts of Ferrari F1 car racing on-track. Cuts to Carlos Sainz sitting in chair in studio.
Carlos: It’s a lot of pressure and pushing yourself to your limit every weekend. It’s what gives you the adrenaline, what gives you the motivation to keep extracting the best out of yourself.
[in vision] cuts of Ferrari F1 car in the pit lane and racing on-track. Cuts back to Carlos Sainz sitting in chair in studio.
Carlos: It holds a lot of importance because it is what you dreamed about your whole life.
[In vision]: Carlos talking with engineers, shots of Ferrari paddock.
Carlos: And you’re working with the best. And any kind of developmental information you can get from Pennzoil, the target is the same as us. It’s performance, and being as reliable as possible.
[on screen]: Ferrari and Pennzoil Innovation Partner logo
NASCAR
2023 marked another astounding season for Team Penske as they clinched the NASCAR Cup Series Championship for the second year in a row. The No. 12 Ford Mustang, driven by Ryan Blaney, had victories in Charlotte, Talladega and Martinsville, 4 top-5 and 6 top-10 finishes. Blaney took to the post-season and, in a tight points race, made it to the Championship Four for the first time. With power and precision, he ended his incredible season as the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Champion!
Defending NASCAR Cup Series Champion, Joey Logano, blazed the path to victory lane at Daytona’s Duel 1 and the Atlanta Cup Series race. He took the No. 22 Shell Pennzoil Ford Mustang to victory lane two times and celebrated 11 top-5 finishes, 17 top-10 finishes, and 2 poles throughout the season.
Reigning Rookie of the Year and driver of the No. 2 Ford Mustang, Austin Cindric, reinforced his position as one of the promising talents in the circuit. With a podium finish at Duel 2 in February and 5 top-10 finishes, Cindric continued to stand out throughout the 2023 season.
INDYCAR
In 2023, Pennzoil continued its commitment as the Official Motor Oil and Lubricant Supplier of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) while powering all vehicles in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Scott McLaughlin was behind the wheel of the Yellow Submarine for the third year for Team Penske, and clocked in wins that were just as iconic. His win at the Grand Prix of Alabama in April kicked off a season of success, and he clinched 14 top-10 finishes and four podium appearances.
Although the season has come to an end, McLaughlin will be behind the wheel in the offseason and loving every moment. “Outside of racing, I am a huge car enthusiast. I enjoy a long drive with my family, whether we’re going from point A to point B or driving to a holiday destination.”
2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Champion Will Power had four podium finishes in 2023 and celebrated 11 top-10 finishes. With Pennzoil powering performance under the hood, the No. 12 Chevrolet enjoyed consistent success all year.
Josef Newgarden clinched an impressive four wins at the Grand Prix of Texas, both races at the Iowa Grand Prix, and the iconic Indianapolis 500. Josef’s Indy 500 win was a historic win as it marked Team Penske and Shell Pennzoil’s 100th win. He also took home five podium finishes, demonstrating the power of engineering and performance under the hood of the No.2 Team Penske Chevrolet.
The extreme stress put on an NTT INDYCAR SERIES engine provides the optimal proving ground for modern motor oils like Pennzoil Ultra Platinum, allowing for in-real-time testing to be done for cars on the highway and the racetrack.
FORMULA DRIFT
Team RTR came into the 2023 season with their signature flair and a fresh face behind the wheel. They left with a championship trophy, five wins, and seven podiums throughout the season.
Chelsea DeNofa with the 2023 Formula Drift Championship Trophy
Chelsea DeNofa initiated his winning streak right from Orlando's Round 3. His consistent performances in Rounds 6 and 7 led to first place finishes. These wins paved the way for him to clinch the Formula Drift Championship with 480 points, a testament to his skill and determination throughout the season.
James Deane, driver of the 2023 AutoZone Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD, made a triumphant return to US drifting following a three-year hiatus. Hungry to get behind the wheel, Deane showcased brilliance with a 3rd place finish in Rounds 6 and 8 and closed out the season in 5th place with 413 points.
Founder of Team RTR, Vaughn Gittin Jr., claimed victory in Atlanta’s Round 2 and continued to push the level of competition all season. The veteran driver of the 2023 Monster Energy Ford Mustang wrapped the season with 167 points in 23rd place competing in select events this year.
Driver of the 2023 RTR Vehicles Form Mustang, Adam LZ, followed in step with the team’s success. His aggressive entries and versatility led him to take the victory in Englishtown’s Round 4 and finished the season with 148 points splitting seat time with Vaughn.
ULTRA4 OFF-ROAD
The Fun-Havers took their skills past the pavement for another incredible Ultra4 season in 2023.
Fun-Haver Off-Road, created by Vaughn Gittin Jr. and Loren Healy, clinched a total of 8 podiums and 4 victories throughout the season competing in both the 4600 and 4400 Ultra4 classes.
The season came to a head in late October in Arizona, where Loren was ready to land his second championship of the season after securing the West Regional Championship. The pilot of the 4600 Ford Bronco grabbed pole in both classes, while Vaughn landed 12th in the 4400 class. Loren nailed two perfect 36-mile desert laps and cemented his status as the 4600 champion.
REBELLE RALLY
Pennzoil ventured off-road in 2023 by partnering with the Rebelle Rally, an eight-day women’s off-road rally. While not a race for speed, this competition focuses on precise navigation and driving skills in various terrains.
Pennzoil championed “Team Full Synd,” comprised of Alex Taylor, drag racer and co-host of MotorTrend's “Hot Rod Garage,” and her sister Megan, who took on their first-ever Rebelle Rally with daring spirits.
The sister duo were powered by Pennzoil under the hood of their Jeep as they were pushed to the limit in the desert and experienced not only intense competition but a daring journey in every mile.
RACE SPONSORSHIPS
In 2023, Pennzoil continued to nurture longstanding race sponsorships, while carving fresh tracks with those that share our enthusiasm for the next mile.
On March 5th, Pennzoil took to Las Vegas for the 6th annual Pennzoil 400 Presented by Jiffy Lube. The sixth race of the season was packed with excitement on and off the oval, with fans speeding to the Pennzoil Proving Grounds to witness the horsepower on display, cross paths with influencers at autograph sessions, and snag a hot cup of coffee to kick their day into high gear. Race weekend also featured the announcement of the new Rebelle Rally race sponsorship.
This year was all about transcending boundaries, embracing new challenges, and writing thrilling chapters in motorsports. As the dust settles, gear up for 2024. Trust that Pennzoil will be right there, delivering the essential power, protection, and performance that leading motorsports teams rely on.