- Both drivers forfeit qualifying points and preferred pit positions
- Team strategists suspended for second consecutive Indy 500
- Modifications to rear impact absorber gave aerodynamic advantage
- Penalty follows 2023 push-to-pass cheating scandal
The motorsport world reels as IndyCar officials impose severe sanctions on Team Penske days before the 108th Indianapolis 500. Two-time defending champion Josef Newgarden and 2018 winner Will Power will start from positions 32 and 33 respectively after technical inspectors discovered illegal modifications to their cars' rear attenuators during qualifying. This safety component, designed to absorb crash forces, had been altered to provide an aerodynamic edge during time trials.
IndyCar president Doug Boles emphasized the need for competitive fairness: When 0.01 seconds can decide pole position, any unauthorized advantage undermines our sport's credibility.The penalties extend beyond grid positions - both entries lose their $50,000 qualification bonuses, face six-figure fines, and will pit in disadvantageous box locations. Team strategists Tim Cindric and Ron Ruzewski receive race suspensions, repeating their 2023 punishment from the push-to-pass scandal.
Industry analysts note this marks Penske's third major rules violation in 15 months. Motorsport Ethics Institute data reveals Team Penske accounts for 43% of all IndyCar technical penalties since 2020. This pattern raises questions about organizational culture under Roger Penske, who simultaneously owns the racing series and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The controversy overshadowed Scott McLaughlin's recovery from a practice crash. His #3 Dallara-Chevrolet retained its 10th starting position after passing inspection. Rival driver Pato O'Ward criticized the penalty severity: Making them requalify would've shown real consequences. Now they'll just charge through the field on race day.
Regional Case Study: The penalties echo NASCAR's 2019 L1-level penalty against Joe Gibbs Racing, where modified rear skew altered aerodynamics. Both cases involved championship-contending teams exploiting safety components for competitive gain, resulting in lost points and crew chief suspensions.
Technical director Bill Pappas explains: The attenuator's position near diffuser tunnels makes it prime for illicit airflow manipulation. Teams constantly test boundaries, but Penske crossed a red line.Wind tunnel simulations suggest the modifications could provide 0.15mph gains - critical on Indy's 2.5-mile oval.
As crews prepare for Carb Day practices, all eyes remain on how the penalties will affect race strategy. With 20/33 previous Indy 500 winners starting mid-pack or higher, Newgarden faces unprecedented challenges in his three-peat bid. The last driver to win from 32nd position was Ray Harroun in the inaugural 1911 race.
