'So many questions': IndyCar fans confused after Team Penske got disqualified at St. Pete
The news of penalties against Team Penske for the season-opening IndyCar race at St. Pete came as a shock to many on Wednesday.
Josef Newgarden (winner of the race), along with teammate Scott McLaughlin (finished in third), were disqualified after IndyCar officials determined Team Penske violated rules around the use of its push-to-pass system.
Pato O'Ward and Arrow McLaren were awarded the victory.
The race took place on March 10, so fans started asking questions as to why the penalties were announced now. According to IndyStar motorsports reporter Nathan Brown, IndyCar said it first discovered a possible rules violation during Sunday morning's warmup for the Grand Prix of Long Beach, which led to a deeper investigation.
That didn't stop the questions from fans, however. Here is the reaction on X.
Penske should set the example. I guess not
— Willow23 (@Willow1286) April 24, 2024
Not a good look for the series owner. What a shame.
— Can’t we all just get along?! (@Tolufson) April 24, 2024
So many questions
— RB (@realmattinindy) April 24, 2024
What!?!?
— Noah (@oldpaneranoah) April 24, 2024
I wonder how they are going to put this on 100 Days to Indy. 😬
— GAMMY 💵 (@TheGAMwolferz) April 24, 2024
You guys gotta do this faster. Outrageous to change the results a month after the race
— Jeff Hultman (@jhult14) April 24, 2024
This took way too long to announce or be brought to light! This is not a good look for the sport! Could you imagine if this happened a month after the season finale!
— Michael Munro (@MichaelDFMunro) April 24, 2024
All respect to Josef and Scott but dang, no wonder they were making restarts look easier than usual at St Pete, surprised it took until Long Beach to figure things out but them's the rules at the end of it
— NASDude 😃👍 (@TheNASDude) April 24, 2024
Well that was ... Unexpected ... And late.
— Linker Mills (@linkerm) April 24, 2024
Angry as a Newgarden fan. Not the penalty, but that he took advantage of the team’s failure. He knows the rules. Furthermore, the fact he & Scotty Mac used it tells me that the team possibly knew. Why else would they hit PTP at a time it isn’t available? Good on Will for not.
— Ginger Geez-us (@IPlayWithTrucks) April 24, 2024
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Josef Newgarden disqualified at St. Pete. IndyCar fans have questions
