News

MOORESVILLE, NC (February 19, 2026) – Team Penske and the Automobile Club of Southern California (Auto Club) announced today a multi-year agreement that will continue the long-time partnership that has produced multiple wins since forming in 2011. The Auto Club will sponsor the No. 3 AAA Travel Chevrolet driven by Scott McLaughlin in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, returning to North America’s premier open-wheel racing series for the first time since 2017.

The AAA Travel colors will adorn the No. 3 Chevrolet for the iconic Grand Prix of Long Beach on Sunday, April 19 where the leading travel services brand will also debut as the sponsor of the Lifestyle Expo that will fill the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center. This interactive space will include unique exhibits, travel inspiration, and hands-on experiences throughout the race weekend.

“We are thrilled to have the Automobile Club of Southern California returning to the INDYCAR SERIES and the No. 3 Team Penske Chevrolet,” said Penske Racing Inc. President, Jonathan Diuguid. “I witnessed AAA’s passion for motorsports firsthand while I was the race engineer for the No. 3 Auto Club INDYCAR earlier in my Team Penske career. AAA is a powerful brand that believes in Team Penske, and we are excited to represent them.”

The relationship between Auto Club and the Penske brand dates back to 1997 with the entitlement sponsorship of the former NASCAR West Series race at the Penske-owned California Speedway, prior to the property’s sale to International Speedway Corporation where it was renamed Auto Club Speedway. Auto Club began to sponsor Team Penske racecars in 2009, beginning with the No. 77 NASCAR Cup Series entry driven by Sam Hornish, Jr.

The Auto Club relationship with the Team Penske INDYCAR SERIES operation began in 2011 when they debuted on the No. 3 entry driven by Helio Castroneves at Barber Motorsports Park. Castroneves scored the first INDYCAR win for Auto Club at Texas Motor Speedway in June of 2013. That same year, Auto Club expanded to the No. 3 AAA Insurance Ford driven by Joey Logano in the NASCAR Cup Series. The three-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion punched his ticket to the 2025 NCS Playoffs with a win at Texas in the AAA Insurance colors.

“Our partnership with Penske is rooted in shared values and a history of collaboration that goes far beyond the track. By amplifying AAA Travel’s presence within the NTT  INDYCAR SERIES, we’re aligning with a passionate fan base that thrives on adventure and performance. It’s an exciting opportunity to champion the thrill of discovery and inspire travel in new and dynamic ways.”, said Erik Robinson, Chief Marketing Officer, AAA (Auto Club Enterprises).

McLaughlin is a seven-time INDYCAR winner since joining the series full-time in 2021 and has finished inside the top 10 in the final standings in each of his five seasons. The New Zealand-American also holds the four-lap qualifying record for the Indianapolis 500, which he set in 2024 when Team Penske swept the top three positions.

“It is an honor to be the next Team Penske driver to represent Auto Club,” said McLaughlin. “They’ve enjoyed a long history with the team, and I am excited to keep up the rich tradition of this partnership at one of the biggest events on the INDYCAR schedule.”

The 2026 INDYCAR season will begin Sunday, March 1 on the streets of St. Peterburg, Florida. Coverage of the entire season can be found on FOX.

About AAA Travel
Auto Club Enterprises, the largest member of the AAA federation, serving over 18 million members across 21 states, has been a trusted resource for travelers and motorists. AAA is best known for its reliable roadside assistance, insurance services, and member benefits such as Discounts & Rewards, credit cards, car buying programs, and Approved Auto Repair. AAA also champions consumer protection and traffic safety initiatives to combat distracted and impaired driving.

AAA Travel operates as a full-service travel agency dedicated to turning travel dreams into reality. For more than 125 years, AAA has been a trusted travel resource, offering personalized planning services, exclusive member benefits, and peace of mind for every journey. Our experienced travel advisors can assist with all travel needs, including cruises, vacation packages, flights, hotels, rental cars, and more, along with a variety of travel resources and tools. For more information, please visit AAA.com.