Cindric explains Penske Indy qualifying infractions

Team Penske’s filling of a seam on the rear crash structures attached to the No. 2 Chevy of Josef Newgarden and the No. 12 Chevy of Will Power to improve airflow over the sides of the attenuators was deemed illegal by IndyCar Series technical inspectors prior to the Fast 12 qualifying session, violating Rule 14.7.8.16.

Penske’s mechanics attempted to rectify the problem by removing the filler while on pit lane – in the qualifying line for the Fast 12 – and that was also a violation of IndyCar’s policies as no work is allowed to be performed on the cars, barring minor performance tuning adjustments.

Team Penske IndyCar president Tim Cindric disputed the series’ account, saying only the No. 2 car failed technical inspection, but both cars had worked performed while in the qualifying line, which wasn’t permitted. The decision was then made by Cindric to remove both cars from the line, return to Gasoline Alley, and surrender their opportunities to qualify.

“The No. 12 car actually passed inspection, and as the 2 car went through inspection, it was pointed out that, basically, officials didn't like [the fit]. There was a blending there on the attenuator,” Cindric said. “And we decided to look at the No. 12 car. The No. 12 car was the same way, so there was really no reason to run the No. 12 car, knowing that it was like the No. 2 car, and they didn't like the No. 2 car.

“We look back at it, and if I was one of the competitors, I'd have the same argument that you're only allowed to change certain things once you pass inspection – wing angles, tire pressures and so forth. So that was out outside of what you're able to do. At the end of the day, we didn't do it, right?”

Having earned the right to run in the Fast 12, and per Rule 8.5.13.2.6, the three Penske cars will start the race in the order they completed Saturday’s qualifying session, with McLaughlin in 10th, Newgarden in P11, and Power in P12.