INDYCAR Penalizes Team Penske for Modified Attenuators ahead of Indianapolis 500

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — INDYCAR confirmed on May 20 that Team Penske‘s entries Nos. 2 and 12 violated rule 14.7.8.16 by using modified rear attenuators. As a result, both cars will start in the last two positions of the Indianapolis 500 after qualifying times were verified.

INDYCAR’s President, J. Douglas Boles, stated, “The integrity of the Indianapolis 500 is paramount, and this violation is clear. The appropriate penalty is to start at the tail end of the field.” The two cars will start 32nd and 33rd based on their qualifying times.

The No. 3 car, driven by Scott McLaughlin, did not qualify Sunday due to an accident in practice. However, it passed inspection and will start in the 10th position. Boles emphasized the importance of fair competition, saying, “Our intent is to maintain momentum and discourage teams from compromising our integrity.”

After the penalties were announced, Team Penske released a statement accepting the consequences and noting their disappointment. They indicated that further announcements regarding personnel changes would be made later in the week. Each of the violators will incur a $100,000 fine and forfeit Indianapolis 500 qualification points.

The modified attenuators had been in use for over a year without detection, raising questions about INDYCAR’s technical inspection process. Reports from other teams prompted scrutiny at this year’s Indianapolis 500 qualifying session.

Following the discovery, INDYCAR noted that smoothing bodywork to reduce drag offers only marginal performance gains, especially on road courses. The situation underscores a shared responsibility between Team Penske and INDYCAR officials in the oversight of compliance.

As expectations remain high for this year’s race, INDYCAR aims to reinforce fair competition and uphold the standards of one of the most prestigious events in motorsports.