Indy 500 Winner's Controversial Modification Sparks Debate Again

The 2025 version of the Indianapolis 500 winner's car, driven by Josef Newgarden, is embroiled in controversy after being disqualified along with teammate Will Power's ride. Both cars were found to have had modifications made to a spot on the body where an attenuator was attached and left a gap.

INDYCAR discovered that Team Penske allegedly filled in that gap with some sort of substance, which was seen being done by crew members using a blowtorch and grinder during qualifications. The team pulled their cars from qualifications after being told they would fail post-qualification tech inspections.

The displayed car at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum appears to show the same modifications that were found to be in dispute on Sunday. It is unclear if the modifications were made before or after the race.

Team Penske's Director of Communications Merrill Cain confirmed that the displayed car is indeed the actual winner of the 2024 race, but had no comment when asked about similar modifications on the displayed car.

"The INDYCAR rulebook is a rolling document always available without restriction," said IMS Media Relations Senior Manager and INDYCAR VP of Communication Dave Furst. "A pdf, attached, from the 2024 edition. The language with this particular rule has not changed."

Furst also responded to questions about the displayed car's modifications: "We have seen the photos on social media. If we have anything more on the matter, we will share." However, he did not provide any further information.

In a press conference, IMS President Doug Boles announced that Newgarden and Power would be put in the back row of Sunday's 109th running.

Team Penske responded to the findings with a statement: "WE ACCEPT THE PENALTIES ISSUED TODAY BY THE INDYCAR SERIES WHICH ARE DUE TO A ‘BODY FIT’ VIOLATION THAT OCCURRED PRIOR TO THE QUALIFYING SESSION YESTERDAY. WE ARE DISAPPOINTED BY THE RESULTS AND THE IMPACT IT HAS ON OUR ORGANIZATION. WE WILL MAKE FURTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS LATER THIS WEEK RELATED TO PERSONNEL FOR THE UPCOMING INDIANAPOLIS 500."