INDIANAPOLIS — Major penalties were announced by IndyCar officials on Monday at 2 p.m. Eastern Time, sending three cars to the back of the official results in the 109th Indianapolis 500, including the second-place Honda driven by Marcus Ericsson.
David Malukas of A.J. Foyt Racing is now the “official” second-place finisher in Sunday’s Indy 500.
Post-technical inspection penalties included the No. 27 Andretti Global Honda driven by Kyle Kirkwood and the No. 28 Honda driven by Ericsson. Kirkwood finished sixth, and was moved to 32nd in the order.
During post-race inspection of the two cars, IndyCar discovered modifications to the Dallara-supplied Energy Management System (EMS) covers and the cover to the A-arm mounting points with unapproved spacers and parts. According to the IndyCar rulebook, EMS covers must be used as supplied.
Additionally, these modifications provided the capability of enhanced aerodynamic efficiency of both cars.
Andretti Global was in violation of:
Rule 9.3.1. Improper Conduct – Any member attempting to or engaging in unsportsmanlike conduct, unsafe conduct, or conduct detrimental to racing; IndyCar; and/or to the NTT IndyCar Series, whether during an Event or on/off the Track, may be subject to any or all penalties.
Rule 14.1.2. Questions to be submitted and will be answered via IRIS. Modifications must be approved seven (7) days prior to the date of intended use.
Rule 14.1.3. All parts provided by an Approved Supplier must be used as supplied without modification unless otherwise approved by IndyCar and stated in these Rules or in update bulletins.
Andretti Global issued a statement approximately 40 minutes after the penalty report was issued.
“We are in receipt of the Indianapolis 500 Post-Race Penalty Notice as provided by IndyCar,” the statement said. “We are taking the necessary time to assess the information and we will be requesting a full review with IndyCar.”
Also penalized was the No. 90 Prema Racing entry for driver Callum Ilott. That car failed to meet the minimum endplate height and location specifications.
All three cars (Nos. 27, 28 and 90) have been re-ordered to the rear of the field in order of their placement in the unofficial results. Prize money and championship race points earned are commensurate to the final and official finishing positions.
Additionally, each car receives a $100,000 fine and the team/competition managers for the three entries have been placed on a one-race suspension to be served at the next NTT IndyCar Series event at the Streets of Detroit.
Members may contest the imposition of the penalties detailed in the review and appeal procedures of the NTT IndyCar Series rulebook.
