Indy 500 champions Joseph Newgarden and Will Power have been dealt a significant penalty just a week before the race. The IndyCar series announced that the drivers from Team Penske will have to start at the back of the pack due to modifications made to an attenuator.
The team strategists for both drivers faced penalties as well. J. Douglas Boles, the president of IndyCar, emphasized the importance of race integrity in a statement, noting that this violation was straightforward. He remarked that the punishment is not merely about where they might have qualified; rather, starting at the back of the field is a just consequence in this situation.
Additionally, IndyCar stated that Newgarden and Power would lose eligibility points and incur a fine of $100,000. Boles added that the excitement surrounding the NTT IndyCar series and the Indianapolis 500 has been building recently, and they aim to sustain that momentum while ensuring adherence to the rules.
Illegal filling was discovered in the seams of the attenuator. Team Penske’s president, Tim Cindric, mentioned that adjustments were made to refine the vehicle without giving any competitive edge, although he acknowledged that following inspection protocols is essential.
Newgarden previously clinched the Indy 500 title in 2023 and 2024, while Power won in 2018. They will both need exceptional performances to contend for victory from their starting positions.
The Indy 500 is set to be broadcast on May 25th, with coverage beginning at 10 a.m.
