BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – In an emotional address at Barber Motorsports Park, reigning Indianapolis 500 champion Josef Newgarden took responsibility for manipulating the push-to-pass system during the season-opening IndyCar race. Newgarden’s victory was subsequently stripped by IndyCar, marking the first disqualification by the series in almost three decades. Embracing his mistake, Newgarden expressed deep remorse, acknowledging the challenge of earning back the respect of his peers in the racing community.
The decision to strip Newgarden’s win was deemed appropriate by IndyCar, causing a ripple effect as the series gears up for the upcoming Indianapolis 500. Despite the pain of losing the victory, Newgarden admitted relief over the disqualification, stating that he did not want a tainted win on his record. Additionally, Newgarden’s Team Penske teammate Scott McLaughlin was also disqualified, while Will Power received a points deduction though he was not implicated in any wrongdoing.
Team Penske explained that the push-to-pass system was mistakenly left on their cars after a test session, leading to the oversight that affected all three Chevrolet entries. In response to the incident, IndyCar President Jay Frye outlined new measures to prevent such infractions in the future, emphasizing the importance of data-driven enforcement.
Newgarden maintained his innocence, stating that he was unaware of the rule violation until it was brought to light in California before a race. The aftermath of the incident raised questions about trust and integrity within the racing community, with competitors like Colton Herta and Pato O’Ward expressing skepticism over Newgarden’s claims of ignorance.
Reflecting on the incident, Newgarden expressed a commitment to earning back trust through actions rather than words. The disqualification marked a significant moment in IndyCar history, as race officials strive to uphold the integrity of the sport. Amidst the controversy, Team Penske and its drivers face scrutiny over the oversight, reshaping the narrative around one of motorsport’s most prominent teams.