A Sold-Out Indy 500 Packed with Drama, From Firings to Larson’s Double to Newgarden Threepeat Bid

Ready for America’s great race

Prema Racing driver Robert Shwartzman looks out from his pit box during a practice for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500. PHOTOS: REUTERS With specular practice crashes, demotions down the start order for cheating (sorry, a rule infringement), a rookie on pole position, and Kiwis on the second and fourth rows of the grid, this year’s Indy 500 has already delivered its fair share of drama and interest, even before Sunday’s flag fall.

VeeKay joins Penske's Newgarden and Power in Indy 500's last row

INDIANAPOLIS – After winning the Indianapolis 500 in back-to-back years, Josef Newgarden will start from the back of the pack. And he won’t be alone—teammate Will Power is also in the last row. IndyCar penalized the Team Penske teammates for unsanctioned modifications to the attenuators on their race cars. Series officials discovered the modifications during Sunday’s Top 12 Qualifying, and neither driver had the chance to make a qualifying run. …

Ryan Hunter-Reay bails from burning car on Carb Day

The Dreyer & Reinbold driver made it to pit row, where he quickly scrambled out before safety crews doused the flames.

IndyCar Cheating Scandal Mars Motorsports’ Biggest Day

Here’s hoping IndyCar can put the penalties and controversies behind it to focus on what fans want to see: competitive, thrilling racing.

Fired by Roger Penske, Former NASCAR Executive Tries to Set Record Straight

“I just see a bigger mountain, that’s all I see.” These words came from Josef Newgarden in a recent Indianapolis media session. These words of wisdom are well becoming of the two-time Indy 500 winner and Team Penske legend. They show how Newgarden can weather any challenge, even if it is starting from the rear of the race while shouldering blame for a technical infraction. Yet those very words are most needed at present by Newgarden’s immediate …

Josef Newgarden and Will Power share mentality following penalties

SPEEDWAY, Ind. (WISH) — It has been a whirlwind of a week for Team Penske. On Sunday, both Josef Newgarden and Will Power’s cars were pulled from the Fast 12 after Newgarden’s car failed pre-qualifying inspection. Both cars had modified attenuators, which violated IndyCar rules. On Monday, IMS and IndyCar president Doug Boles announced that Newgarden and Power would be moved to the end of the field, starting the race in 32nd and 33rd, respective…