Team Penske’s Tech Violation Alters Qualifying Strategy
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Team Penske faced a crucial setback during the IndyCar Series Fast 12 qualifying session when technical inspectors deemed modifications made to the rear crash structures on Josef Newgarden’s No. 2 Chevy and Will Power’s No. 12 Chevy illegal. The changes, intended to enhance airflow over the attenuators, violated Rule 14.7.8.16 of the series’ regulations.
Efforts to correct the issue by removing the illegal filler while on the qualifying grid resulted in further violations, as no work is permitted during this session aside from minor adjustments. Tim Cindric, president of Team Penske IndyCar, contended that only the No. 2 car failed inspection but noted that both vehicles underwent unauthorized work while in the line.
Cindric explained, "The No. 12 car actually passed inspection, but we decided not to run it knowing it was similar to the No. 2 car, which was flagged by officials."
As a result of these violations, Penske withdrew both cars from the qualifying session, opting instead to focus on the race. Under Rule 8.5.13.2.6, the three Penske cars will start the race in the order they qualified, with Scott McLaughlin in 10th, Newgarden in 11th, and Power in 12th.
This incident underscores the critical importance of compliance with technical regulations, as teams continue to seek competitive advantages within the framework of the rules.
