INDIANAPOLIS — Two-time defending Indianapolis 500 champion Josef Newgarden was penalized along with his teammate Will Power by being sent to the rear of the field for the 109th Indy 500. The penalty comes after INDYCAR inspectors found illegal filling in the seams of the attenuator, a part that requires not to be modified, prior to qualifying.
Team Penske’s INDYCAR President Tim Cindric will also face suspension for his role as strategist during the Indy 500. The team was fined $100,000 for modifying spec parts.
The penalty was issued after Team Penske owner Roger Penske had previously faced criticism from the paddock over a similar issue last year. However, INDYCAR President Doug Boles stated that he doesn’t consider throwing out the cars due to their strong performance in qualifying and being among the top-30 cars.
Instead, Newgarden will keep his 11th starting spot and Power will start in 12th place, with other drivers adjusting their pit stalls accordingly. The incident has raised questions about the integrity of the decision-making within Team Penske and whether there needs to be a more independent body administering the rules.
Source: https://www.foxsports.com/stories/motor/indycar-penalizes-josef-newgarden-will-power-penske