IndyCar Update: Team Penske Penalized Ahead of Indianapolis 500
The IndyCar Series announced a significant penalty for Team Penske, moving their Nos. 2 and 12 Chevrolet entries to the back of the starting grid for the Indianapolis 500 due to illegal modifications found in their components. This ruling was made following the Fast 12 Pole Day qualifying session, where both cars were deemed to have violated Rule 14.7.8.16 regarding attenuator modifications.
IndyCar conducted a thorough investigation and confirmed the infractions, leading to the decision to start car No. 2 in 32nd and car No. 12 in 33rd positions, based on their qualifying times from Saturday. “The integrity of the Indianapolis 500 is paramount,” stated IndyCar President J. Douglas Boles, emphasizing the necessity of stringent enforcement of rules.
As part of the penalties, the team’s strategists, Tim Cindric and Ron Ruzewski, have been suspended for the duration of the event. Additionally, both cars will forfeit their qualification points and incur a fine of $100,000 each. They will also select their pit positions after the rest of the field has made their selections, further complicating their race strategy.
In related news, car No. 3, which missed qualifying for the Top 12 due to an accident during practice, has been cleared of any violation and will start in 10th place, maintaining participation in the race.
These developments underscore the rigorous oversight undertaken by IndyCar to uphold competitive integrity in preparation for one of motorsport’s most prestigious events.
