MOORESVILLE, N.C. — General Motors hired an independent legal firm to investigate Team Penske’s push-to-pass violations that resulted in a major penalty from IndyCar.
The GM findings concluded there was no evidence that any Chevrolet employee was aware of the matter that ultimately led to Josef Newgarden’s disqualification after winning the March 10 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.
Third-place finisher Scott McLaughlin was also disqualified when it was revealed six weeks later that both drivers had used push-to-pass on either a race start or a restart. Driver Will Power was penalized, but not disqualified, for having the manipulated push-to-pass software in his No. 12 Chevrolet, but he did not use it against regulations.
On Friday morning, General Motors President Mark Reuss issued a statement.
“We respect the decision and actions of IndyCar as well as Team Penske’s commitment to improve their processes and controls,” Reuss said in the statement. “Chevrolet engaged a third-party law firm to conduct a thorough review of the matter, and they found no evidence that any Chevrolet employee had any knowledge of or involvement in the matter.
“Chevy looks forward to engaging with IndyCar and our partner race teams to assist in any enhancements that further support the integrity of IndyCar competition.”