Power and Newgarden Start Last Due to Technical Violations

NTT IndyCar's investigation into Team Penske's modified attenuators has found that the team is in violation of IndyCar rules.

Cars No. 2 and 12, driven by Will Power and Josef Newgarden, will start from positions 32nd and 33rd during the Indianapolis 500, with their starting order determined by their qualifying times from Saturday.

The team's qualification points are forfeit, and they have been fined $100,000. Additionally, they will lose their pit positions and select their pit boxes after the rest of the field has had a chance to adjust.

"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," said IndyCar and Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles. "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."

Boles emphasized that it's crucial to maintain integrity during the remainder of the week and race weekend, stating, "As we look to the remainder of the week and the race this weekend, we will do everything we can to make it clear that this is not only the best racing on the planet but racing where the best win under completely fair conditions."

Team Penske's No. 3 car, which did not attempt to qualify Sunday due to an earlier accident, was unaffected by the modified attenuator and will start in the 10th spot for the Indy 500.

In addition, IndyCar has suspended the team's strategists for Cars No. 2 and 12 for the remainder of the Indy 500.