In 2023, with every rev, drift, and roar, Pennzoil proudly powered drivers to help them race across the finish line. Whether navigating turns on the track or crossing the desert, these athletes trusted Pennzoil’s engine oil throughout the season.
Driven by passion, Pennzoil was honored to collaborate with the elite of motorsport over the past year – Formula 1, NASCAR, IndyCar, Formula Drift, Ultra4, and the Rebelle Rally – to showcase the unmatched performance of Pennzoil synthetic oils. Buckle up as we review the epic racing season and how Pennzoil’s track technology drives your engine forward.
Formula 1
Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz competed in the 2023 season, each powered by Shell Pennzoil lubricants. Carlos Sainz won the Singapore Grand Prix in September, while Charles Leclerc crossed the finish line five times and stood on the podium. The duo ended the season with nine podium finishes.
Pennzoil sat down with Carlos Sainz to learn about his experience racing for Ferrari and how he handles the pressure of competing in some of the fastest races in the world.
NASCAR
2023 was another stunning season for Team Penske, as they claimed the NASCAR Cup Series championship for the second consecutive year. The No. 12 Ford Mustang, driven by Ryan Blaney, secured victories at Charlotte, Talladega, and Martinsville, with 4 top-5 finishes and 6 top-10 finishes. Blaney made it to the playoffs and reached the championship four for the first time in a fierce points battle. With power and precision, he concluded his incredible season as the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series champion!
Defending NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano led the Daytona Duel 1 and the Atlanta Cup Series, taking home the championship. He won twice in the No. 22 Shell Pennzoil Ford Mustang, finishing in the top 5 eleven times, top 10 seventeen times, and claiming two pole positions throughout the season.
2023 Rookie of the Year, Austin Cindric, driver of the No. 2 Ford Mustang, solidified his position as one of the most promising talents on the track. With a podium finish in Duel 2 in February and five top-10 finishes, Cindric continued to stand out throughout the 2023 season.
IndyCar
In 2023, Pennzoil continued to serve as the official oil and lubricant supplier for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), powering all vehicles in the NTT INDYCAR Series. Scott McLaughlin drove the yellow submarine for Penske Team for the third time and achieved iconic victories. He won at the Alabama Grand Prix in April, kicking off a successful season with 14 top-10 finishes and 4 podiums.
Although the season has ended, McLaughlin will continue racing during the off-season, enjoying every moment. "Besides racing, I'm a passionate car enthusiast. I love long drives with my family, whether it's from point A to B or driving to a vacation spot."
2022 NTT INDYCAR Series champion Will Power celebrated four podium finishes in 2023 and 11 top-10 finishes. Powered by Pennzoil, the No. 12 Chevrolet achieved consistent success throughout the year.
Joseph Newgarden achieved an impressive four wins in the Texas Grand Prix, Iowa Grand Prix, and the iconic Indianapolis 500. His victory in the Indy 500 was historic as it marked Penske Team and Shell Pennzoil's 100th win. He also secured five podium finishes, showcasing the strength of the engineering and performance under the hood of the No. 2 Penske Team Chevrolet.
The extreme pressures faced by NTT INDYCAR SERIES engines provide the perfect testing ground for modern oils like Pennzoil Ultra Platinum, allowing real-time testing of cars on highways and tracks.
Formula Drift
The RTR Team embraced the 2023 season with their unique style and a fresh look. They won one championship trophy, five victories, and seven podium finishes throughout the season.
Chelsea DeNofa began his winning streak from the 3rd round in Orlando. He maintained consistent performance in rounds 6 and 7, eventually securing first place. These victories laid the foundation for him to win the Formula Drift Championship with 480 points, showcasing his skill and determination throughout the season.
James Deane, driving the 2023 AutoZone Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD, made his return to the U.S. drift scene after three years of silence, achieving great success. Eager to get back behind the wheel, Deane excelled in rounds 6 and 8, securing third place and finishing the season with 413 points, ultimately ranking fifth.
Vaughn Gittin Jr., founder of Team RTR, claimed victory in round 2 at Atlanta and continued to elevate the competitive level throughout the season. The veteran, driving the 2023 Monster Energy Ford Mustang, finished the season with 167 points, ranking 23rd in selected events.
Adam LZ, driver for the 2023 RTR Mustang team, followed in the footsteps of the team's success. His active participation and versatility led him to victory in round 4 at Englishtown, finishing the season with 148 points, tying with Vaughn for a shared spot.
Event Sponsorship
In 2023, Pennzoil continued to cultivate long-term event sponsorships while forging new paths with those passionate about going the extra mile.
On March 5, Pennzoil arrived in Las Vegas for the 6th annual Pennzoil 400, sponsored by Jiffy Lube. The sixth race of the season was filled with excitement both on and off the track, as fans flocked to the Pennzoil Pit to witness horsepower demonstrations, meet influential figures at autograph sessions, and enjoy a hot cup of coffee to kickstart an exciting day. The race weekend also marked the announcement of a new sponsor for the Rebelle Rally.
This year, we continuously pushed boundaries, embraced new challenges, and wrote exciting chapters in motorsports. As the dust settles, we prepare for 2024. Rest assured, Pennzoil will remain by your side, providing the essential power, protection, and performance needed by leading motorsport teams.
