The Indianapolis 500 qualifying was marred for Team Penske after drivers Josef Newgarden and Will Power failed inspections, leading to their disqualification from the pole positions. The team’s initial hopes were dashed when Scott McLaughlin crashed during practice, forcing Penske to miss out on the Fast 12 shootout. Accusations of fraud arose from rival Chip Ganassi, while inspectors found a violation related to the rear attenuator, a safety device modified to enhance aerodynamics.
Penske’s Tim Cindric stated that alterations were mistakenly allowed initially, but later deemed illegal. This incident echoes a previous push-to-pass scandal that cost Newgarden a victory. As a result, last year’s front-row finishers will now start from the fourth row in the upcoming race. The Fast 12 was effectively reduced to nine competitors, with six drivers qualifying for the final pole battle.
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