NEWTON, Iowa – It’s not an official NTT IndyCar Series race without grid-spot penalties announced before teams hit the track, especially in the second half of the season.
IndyCar officials announced a nine-position starting grid penalty for the entries of Kyffin Simpson’s No. 4 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda and Graham, Rahal’s No. 15 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda for unapproved engine changes following the Sunday, July 7 race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
The teams were in violation of:
Rule 16.1.2.3.2. A fifth (5th) engine is eligible to earn Engine Manufacturer points if a Full Season Entrant has completed the Full Season Entrant Engine Mileage with its first four (4) engines. Otherwise, a fifth (5th) or more engine does not earn Engine Manufacturer points and will be considered an anapproved engine change-out.
According to Rule 16.1.6.1.2., the penalty is a six-position starting grid penalty on road and street course events and nine positions at oval events and will be served at the series’ next event, which is the Hy-Vee Homefront 250 presented by Instacart Saturday, July 13 at Iowa Speedway.