Lowering the Temperature. Raising the Bar.

At the highest level of motorsports, every detail matters. From pit stop choreography to data analytics, elite teams like Team Penske operate with a relentless focus on efficiency and performance. But while much attention is placed on the cars and drivers themselves, the environment where teams prepare, plan and build can be just as critical. 

Penske, XPEL’s INDYCAR partner, wanted to address excessive heat and glare coming into their shop via the garage’s 19 bay doors. They turned to XPEL for help. 

“Racing can provide a platform to bring green technology to the forefront,” said Johnathan Diuguid, President, Penske Racing Incorporated. “That philosophy extends far beyond the race car. We recognized that improving working conditions inside their facility would not only enhance employee comfort, but also boost productivity, reduce fatigue and support the company’s long-term sustainability goals.” 

XPEL – and its partner Tint World – tested their Solar Control Films on one of the bay doors to verify its effectiveness. The Penske team immediately noticed the difference and the full project was on.

The Challenge: Heat, Glare and Discomfort 

“The sun was shining in the shop, making it extremely hot, making the working environment difficult with glare or extreme brightness,” Diuguid explained. 

Large, glass garage doors allow natural light to enter the facility, but they can also create significant challenges. Excessive heat buildup impacts employee comfort, increases energy usage, and can affect focus and precision – both essential in a performance-driven environment. Glare can also make it harder to view screens, tools, and equipment, creating unnecessary strain on team members who already operate in high-pressure conditions. 

For Team Penske, the solution needed to deliver measurable performance benefits while preserving the aesthetics and functionality of their modern facility. 

The Solution: XPEL Solar Control Film 

XPEL’s Solar Control Films are engineered to address these exact challenges. Designed for commercial and residential spaces alike, they help reduce heat, block harmful UV rays, minimize glare, and improve overall comfort without compromising natural light. By applying advanced film technology to existing glass, organizations can achieve significant improvements in energy efficiency and workplace conditions. 

After testing the film on one bay door, the impact was immediate. 

“The immediate effect is the visual difference, both inside and out,” said Chris Yoder, Team Penske’s Director of Transportation. “But once you get past that, you realize the actual difference of the real-feel temperature by standing behind that door.” 

Performance Through Comfort 

“Our employees marvel at how different the temperature is in the afternoon in peak sunshine,” Yoder noted. 

This improvement has created a more consistent and comfortable environment across the facility, helping team members stay focused throughout long days of preparation. For an organization where even the smallest advantages matter, these benefits translate directly into performance. 

“Technologies like this make a difference and can help us end up on victory lane together,” said Diuguid. 

Sustainability and Innovation 

Beyond comfort and productivity, solar control films also support sustainability initiatives. By reducing heat gain, facilities can lower energy consumption associated with cooling systems. This not only reduces operational costs but also aligns with the broader push toward environmentally responsible practices in motorsports and beyond. 

As Diuguid highlighted, racing has long been a proving ground for innovation. Many technologies that began in competition—from materials science to safety features—have eventually found their way into everyday applications. Solar control film is another example of how forward-thinking solutions in racing environments can influence broader industries. 

Raising the Bar 

Hear from Team Penske, as they share how reducing heat and improving privacy elevated the workspace and supported performance across the organization.