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Roger Penske honored with Horatio Alger Award

Indianapolis 500-Coors Lite Carb Day

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 22: Team Penske owner Roger Penske watches during final practice on Carb Day for the 99th running of the Indianapolis 500 mile race at Indianapolis Motorspeedway on May 22, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

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Roger Penske, the owner of teams in NASCAR and the Verizon IndyCar Series, has been selected as one of the 11 recipients of the Horatio Alger Award.

The award, presented by the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, recognizes “exceptional corporate and philanthropic leaders from across the country who have succeeded despite facing challenges.”

The association, founded in 1947, is named after Alger, a 19th century author who is most known for the “Ragged Dick” book series.

“It is a privilege to receive the Horatio Alger Award alongside 10 remarkable men and women,” said the owner of Team Penske in a press release. “I was fortunate enough to have a strong support network growing up and I learned the importance of believing in yourself and having the courage to take the first step toward your dream. We are all stronger and more capable than we think, and I hope to convey that message to as many young people as possible through my work with the Association.”

Penske is currently celebrating the 50th anniversary of his race team, which included winning the IndyCar championship with Simon Pagenaud. The association is celebrating its 70th anniversary of working to “dispel the mounting belief among citizens that the American Dream was no longer attainable.”

Penske’s legendary career in racing took shape after he was involved in a motorcycle accident at a young age that left him with several serious injuries and months of rehabilitation.

“Roger’s strong work ethic and determination to reach his goals is admirable and inspiring,” said Byron Trott, president, Horatio Alger Association in a press release. “My fellow Members and I congratulate Roger on his induction into the Association, recognizing his self-made success, entrepreneurial vision and commitment to giving back. We look forward to working with him to further encourage our Scholars to follow their dreams, no matter the adversities they face.”

Other receiving the award:


  • Alain Bouchard, founder and executive chairman of the board, Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc.
  • John Elway, executive vice president of football operations/general manager, Denver Broncos
  • Mellody Hobson, president, Ariel Investments, LLC
  • Harold B. Matzner, chairman, CBA Industries Inc.
  • Valerie Montgomery Rice, president and dean, Morehouse School of Medicine
  • Byron Pitts, chief national correspondent, ABC News and co-anchor, ‘Nightline’
  • John H. Scully, co-founder and managing partner, SPO Partners & Co.
  • Richard J Stephenson, founder & chairman, Cancer Treatment Centers of America
  • Marcia G. Taylor, president and chief executive officer, Bennett International Group, LLC
  • Lenard B. Tessler, vice chairman and senior managing director, Cerberus Capital Management, L.P.

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