Team Penske Hit With Two Indy 500 Suspensions And Staggering Fines After Technical Violations

Newsweek

19-05-2025

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Team Penske has been hit with hefty penalties after an IndyCar investigation into technical violations regarding modified attenuators on the No. 2 and 12 cars of Josef Newgarden and Will Power.
After the investigations confirmed the technical infraction, IndyCar confirmed that both drivers had been relegated to the back of the grid for the upcoming Indy500.
However, it has now also been confirmed that the team strategists for both the No. 2 and No. 12 have been suspended for the iconic race, the cars have lost all qualification points, and they have been hit with an eye-watering $100,000 fine.
On top of this, the No. 2 and No. 12 will lose their pit positions.
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.
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.
Miguel J.What did IndyCar say?
The official statement from IndyCar explained:
"Yesterday, INDYCAR's focus was ensuring that the series had all the facts related to the discovery of the modified attenuators on the Team Penske entries of Nos. 2 and 12 to verify they were in violation of INDYCAR Rule 14.7.8.16. After the series confirmed the technical infraction, by rule, the violating cars were placed in the last positions of the qualifying session for which they qualified.
"Upon further review last night and early this morning, INDYCAR will be moving cars No. 2 and 12 to the 32nd and 33rd starting positions for this year's Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. They will start in order based upon their qualifying times from Saturday.
"'The integrity of the Indianapolis 500 is paramount, and this violation of the INDYCAR rule against modification to this part and using it 'as supplied' is clear,' INDYCAR President J. Douglas Boles said. 'The penalty should be more than simply starting where the cars might have qualified anyway, if given the opportunity. The cars belong in the field as two of the fastest 33; however, starting on the tail of the field is the appropriate penalty in this instance.'
"Car No. 3 did not attempt to qualify Sunday in the Top 12 because of an accident in the earlier afternoon's practice. Upon review of the car, and INDYCAR impounding the No. 3 attenuator, INDYCAR found that the car was in fact using a legal and unmodified attenuator. Therefore, car No. 3 will start in the 10th spot – the final spot of those who had qualified to participate in the Top 12.
"Additionally, INDYCAR is suspending the team strategists for the Nos. 2 and 12 for the remainder of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, both cars will forfeit Indianapolis 500 qualification points and each entry has been fined $100,000.
"Car Nos. 2 and 12 also will forfeit their pit positions and will select their pit boxes after the remainder of the field has an opportunity to adjust accordingly.
"'The positive momentum around the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and the Indianapolis 500 has been on a steep crescendo over the last several months, and we want it to be clear that our intent is to maintain that momentum and discourage teams from putting INDYCAR in positions where it calls into the integrity of our officiating and the levelness of the playing field,' Boles said. 'As we look to the remainder of the week and the race this weekend, we will do everything we can to make it clear that this is not only the best racing on the planet but racing where the best win under completely fair conditions.'"