By: Spencer Neff
May 19, 2025

Prior to yesterday’s Fast 12 Shootout for the 109th Indianapolis 500, the No. 2 Team Penske car of driver Josef Newgarden failed pre-qualifying technical inspection. The failure was a result of a violation of Rule 14.7.8.16-“Bodywork Fitting”.

The car was found to have modifications made to the rear attenuator of each car. Later, it was found that his teammate’s No. 12 entry with driver Will Power, had a similar infraction.

As a result, the drivers forefiit their previous starting spots of 11th and 12th. They will be moved to 32nd and 33rd respectively (based on Saturday qualifying runs).

Strategists for both teams (Tim Cindric and Ron Ruszewski) have been suspended for the remainder of the event. Both teams will also forefit their pit selection, lose qualifying bonus points and were fined $100,000.

“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 in a statement on Monday.

“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.”

Header Image By Matt Fraver/INDYCAR