Indianapolis 500: Team Penske Faces Penalties
One of the significant highlights from Sunday’s qualifying session for the Indianapolis 500 was the situation involving Team Penske. The team had to withdraw both the second car and the 12th car, driven by Josef Newgarden and Will Power, after inspections revealed modifications to the attenuators on both vehicles.
As a result, these two entries have been shifted to the back of the starting grid for the 109th Indianapolis 500.
According to a statement from IndyCar, further evaluations were conducted last night and early this morning, leading to the decision to place cars No. 2 and 12 in 32nd and 33rd positions for this year’s race, which is presented by Gainbridge. The starting order will be determined by their qualifying times from Saturday.
So, instead of enjoying a spot in the top 12, both Newgarden and Power will be starting at the very end of the field.
“The integrity of the Indianapolis 500 is paramount,” a representative stated. “This clear violation of IndyCar rules regarding modifications to this part means it has to be used as supplied. The penalty isn’t just about starting at a place where the cars could have qualified under different circumstances. They still belong in the lineup as two of the fastest 33; however, starting from the back serves as an appropriate response in this case.”
Meanwhile, Scott McLaughlin’s third vehicle for Penske didn’t qualify for the fast 12 due to an accident that occurred during practice on Sunday. An IndyCar statement noted that after a review, it was determined that car No. 3 used legal and unchanged attenuators. Thus, this car will start in 10th place, which is the last position eligible for the top 12.
Along with the starting position penalties for Newgarden and Power, IndyCar has also stated that the strategists for entries No. 2 and 12 will be barred for the remainder of the Indianapolis 500. Additionally, both cars will forfeit qualifying points and incur a fine of $100,000 each.
“Car Nos. 2 and 12 will face adjustments in pit box allocations and other remaining field arrangements,” the statement added.
“There has been a surge of positive momentum surrounding the NTT IndyCar series and the Indianapolis 500 in recent months. We want to reinforce our commitment to maintaining that momentum and ensure integrity and fairness across the competitive field,” said Boles. “As we move through this weekend and the race, we’ll work diligently to emphasize that this is not only the premier race on the planet but also runs under completely fair conditions.”
This situation is still developing.
