We use essential cookies and third-party cookies for content.

English Woman's Journal - Andretti rips Team Penske for dubious explanation for scandal

Andretti rips Team Penske for dubious explanation for scandal

SPORTS 02.05.2024
Andretti rips Team Penske for dubious explanation for scandal
Andretti rips Team Penske for dubious explanation for scandal / Photo: Matt Hazlett - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File

Michael Andretti criticized rival IndyCar team owner Roger Penske over a cheating scandal that engulfed Penske Racing, saying multiple explanations for the controversial situation never matched up.

Change text size:

Reigning Indianapolis 500 champion Josef Newgarden was stripped of his victory in the season opener at St. Petersburg for using a "push-to-pass" speed boost on starts and restarts, a violation of series rules.

Newgarden said he thought rules had changed to allow him to use the overtake button while Penske Racing explained that changes made for an engine test allowing the restart boost were mistakenly not restored to normal before the opening race.

Andretti, in an interview with former US stock car racer Kenny Wallace posted on YouTube, said he didn't buy the explanations.

"My opinion is they knew exactly what they had," Andretti said. "They used this, especially Josef, and it was an advantage. I mean, he blew by Colton (Herta, who races for Andretti) at the start of the race. So it was noticeable and it may have made a difference in the race.

"It's disappointing for sure that they went and they did that. I just wish they just would have owned it more and just said, 'Hey, all right, we got busted. Let's go on.'

Andretti praised IndyCar president Jay Frye for punishing Penske Racing drivers Newgarden of the United States, Scott McLaughlin of New Zealand and Will Power of Australia.

McLaughlin was stripped of third in the Florida street race and Power, who never used the overtake button, was docked 10 points in the drivers standings.

"A gutsy move to expose it and give Roger that penalty," Andretti said. "I applaud them for being transparent."

Andretti said the mess also brings into question the fairness of Penske, who owns IndyCar and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as well as Penske Racing.

"All I can say is if that would happen on our team, Rob Edwards (team chief operating officer) would have been let go immediately if something was going on that I didn't know about," Andretti said.

"Now do I think that Roger didn't know exactly about it? Yeah. Did he give the permission to do stuff maybe? I don't know. Possible. I just don't know.

Andretti's Herta leads Penske's Power 101-100 in the season points race ahead of the next series race on May 11 on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course -- the final tuneup event before the 108th Indianapolis 500 on May 26.

E.Cunningham--EWJ

Featured

Paul George Scores 36 as Celtics Defeat Sixers 123-101 to Take East Lead

The Boston Celtics claimed first place in the Eastern Conference on Tuesday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 123-101 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Paul George led all scorers with 36 points in his return to Philadelphia, while a decisive third-quarter run extended Boston's lead and dropped the Sixers to second place.

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Change text size: