Three Indy 500 finishers disqualified for technical infractions

After a rollercoaster performance at the Indy 500, the chaos that was the 109th running of the event has yet to slow down after two of Andretti Global’s cars and one from Prema Racing failed their post-race technical inspections.

IndyCar announced Monday that the No. 27 car of Kyle Kirkwood, and No. 28 car of Marcus Ericsson, along with Callum Ilott’s No. 90 Prema car all failed their post-race inspections following the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday. 

The No. 27 and No. 28 Andretti Global cars were found to have modified the “Dallara-supplied Energy Management System (EMS) covers and cover-to-A-arm mounting points with unapproved spacers and parts.” As IndyCar outlined in its latest release, “these modifications provided the capability of enhanced aerodynamic efficiency to both cars.” 

Callum Ilott, Prema Racing

Photo by: Penske Entertainment

On Prema Racing’s No. 90 entry, the front wing did not meet the minimum endplate height and location specifications. The series specifically highlights that the team failed to meet the left endplate height, and a rule that states that the endplates, wing flaps and mainplanes remain in the designed locations.

For their discrepancies and violations, all three cars have been reordered to the back of the field in the official Indy 500 standings, which massively reorders the final results of the race. Ericsson’s 2nd-place finish is now 31, Kirkwood’s 6th is now 32nd, and Ilott’s 13th to 33rd. Each car was also fined $100,000 and their teams and competition managers will serve a one-race suspension to be served at this weekend’s upcoming race in Detroit. 

Following IndyCar’s announcement, Andretti Global responded that they are “taking the necessary time to assess the information and we will be requesting a full review with INDYCAR.”

Tuesday morning, Prema Racing released its statement saying the team accepts full responsibility: 

“While the same wing was completely original, successfully passed tech multiple times throughout the month, and the issue didn’t lead to any performance gain, the car ended up being non compliant with the rules at the end of the race…

“The team is currently investigating the root of the problem, which can involve incidents and fitment or production issues. We look forward to implementing the needed procedures to ensure improved control and avoid these kinds of issues in the future.”

Next Steps

According to IndyCar’s official review process (outlined in the Series’ rulebook), Andretti is able to submit a request that outline the errors claimed by officials, with specifics, within two business days of the penalty. If the submission is compliant, IndyCar can then consider it for review. The Series and team will then have to agree upon a facilitator (paid for by both teams), and set up a review meeting where the facilitator will hear arguments from both parties and make a decision to either uphold the original decision, overturn it, or modify it. The process can take upwards of two weeks depending on response times. 

Photos from Indianapolis 500 – Race