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Team Penske Cars Penalized to Back of Indy 500 Grid for Safety Violation

IndyCar imposes severe penalties on Newgarden and Power for modified rear attenuators, while rookie Robert Shwartzman retains pole position.

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May 26, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Team Penske driver Josef Newgarden shows off the winner's ring on the victory podium after winning the Indy 500 on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Michelle Pemberton-USA TODAY Sports/File Photo
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Will Power, driver of the #12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet drives during practice INDYCAR Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 01, 2025 in St Petersburg, Florida.

Overview

  • Josef Newgarden and Will Power's cars were found with illegal modifications to their rear attenuators, a non-modifiable safety component, during pre-qualifying inspections.
  • IndyCar moved both drivers to the 32nd and 33rd starting positions, suspended their strategists, fined each entry $100,000, and stripped them of qualification points and pit positions.
  • Scott McLaughlin, who crashed during practice, will start 10th after his car was found compliant with safety regulations.
  • Rookie Robert Shwartzman secured the pole position, becoming the first rookie to do so at the Indianapolis 500 since 1983.
  • IndyCar President J. Douglas Boles emphasized the importance of maintaining the event's integrity, citing the penalties as necessary to uphold fairness and safety standards.