IndyCar hits Josef Newgarden and Will Power with major penalties for vehicle modifications

In a significant announcement on May 19, 2025, INDYCAR officials penalized two-time defending Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden and teammate Will Power, both drivers for Team Penske. The penalties stemmed from the discovery of illegal modifications to their cars' rear attenuators, which are mandated to remain unaltered according to INDYCAR regulations. As a result, Newgarden and Power were relegated to start from the back of the 33-car field for the 109th Indianapolis 500, despite qualifying among the fastest. This situation has triggered serious discussions about the integrity of the sport, especially given Team Penske's prominence and the past controversies surrounding the team. The modifications were identified just before the Fast 12 qualifying session, leading to a swift investigation by INDYCAR officials. Tim Cindric, the president of Team Penske, defended the team's actions by stating that the alterations aimed to enhance aerodynamics rather than provide unfair performance advantages. However, officials determined that this justification did not align with INDYCAR's strict rules regarding car specifications. The fibrous filling found in the seams of the attenuator raised questions about the team's adherence to racing regulations, which further complicated their standing in the series. The implications of the penalties extend beyond just starting positions. Both Newgarden and Power's teams will have their qualifying points forfeited, and they each face a hefty fine of $100,000. Additionally, race strategists for both entries were suspended for the duration of the Indianapolis 500, marking the second consecutive year that Team Penske's strategists have faced a suspension during this prestigious event. This repeated violation draws attention to a larger concern regarding whether elite teams push the limits of racing regulations. INDYCAR’s President Doug Boles emphasized that maintaining the integrity of the Indianapolis 500 is crucial for the series. He pointed out the importance of adherence to the rules, indicating that such violations would not be tolerated. This particular incident mirrors previous controversies for Team Penske, including a push-to-pass scandal that stripped Newgarden of a victory last year. As the Indy 500 approaches, the racing community is keenly watching how Newgarden and Power will navigate the challenges posed by their new starting positions in an effort to compete for the win amidst the backlash surrounding their penalties.