Penske Penalized, Indy 500 Fairness in Spotlight

Team Penske drivers Josef Newgarden and Will Power have been penalized for illegal rear attenuator modifications discovered during qualifying for the 109th Indianapolis 500, resulting in both starting from the last two grid positions. Their team strategists have been suspended for the race, each entry fined $100,000, and both teams will forfeit qualifying points and pick pit boxes last. The penalties were imposed to maintain the integrity of the event and address concerns of fairness, particularly as Roger Penske owns both the team and the sanctioning body. Scott McLaughlin, Penske's third driver, was not penalized after his car was found compliant. These sanctions follow earlier controversies involving Team Penske and have triggered strong reactions from fans and competitors. Heightened scrutiny surrounds the team as the race approaches.