Meyer Shank Racing Implements Quality Control Changes Amid IndyCar Penalties
Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) is enhancing its technical oversight following a series of infractions during recent IndyCar Series inspections. The team has appointed George Klotz, a veteran IndyCar manager and race strategist for Marcus Armstrong’s No. 66 Honda, as its first race car quality control and rules compliance officer. This move aligns with IndyCar’s new zero-tolerance stance on technical violations, which became evident around the Indianapolis 500.
The changes come in the wake of penalties issued to Team Penske, where two cars were disqualified due to illegally modified attenuators. IndyCar President Doug Boles has outlined the consequences of these infractions, including significant grid penalties for the Nos. 2 and 12 Chevys.
IndyCar has not disclosed specific findings related to the Nos. 27 and 28 Andretti Global Hondas or the No. 90 PREMA Racing Chevy, only indicating possible aerodynamic advantages that violated regulations. MSR co-owner Mike Shank emphasized the need for a dedicated role to ensure compliance: “We’re assigning a person to be on top of our what I’m going to call ‘QC and rules compliance… We feel that they’re really going to take a hard line on lots of things. And we’re going to be ready for it as best we can.”
Traditionally, IndyCar teams manage vehicle quality collectively, with each mechanic responsible for ensuring compliance throughout the car. While this team-based approach remains, Klotz’s appointment adds a crucial layer of oversight, potentially setting a precedent within the series.
Shank noted that following the penalties, MSR is intensifying its pre-race inspections, explaining, "We didn’t want a part of that, and so we started talking about it and we’re doing something even more than we already were to keep away from the hammer.”
As team dynamics shift in light of stricter regulations, MSR’s proactive adjustments reflect a critical response to the evolving landscape of IndyCar technical compliance.
