Indy 500 Drama: Runner-Up Ericsson & Teammate Kirkwood Hit with Penalties for Unapproved Car Modifications

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — In a surprising twist after the Indianapolis 500, Marcus Ericsson, who finished second, was penalized and dropped to 31st place due to unapproved changes on his car. His teammate, Kyle Kirkwood, also faced a similar fate, falling from sixth to 32nd.

Ericsson missed a chance to earn about $1 million for his original finish. Now he will only get $610,500. Kirkwood, initially in line for $607,500, saw his payout reduced as well. Andretti Global, the team behind both drivers, stated that they are reviewing the situation.

The modifications were made to parts from Dallara, the chassis provider for IndyCar. According to the rules, teams must stick to the provided components without alterations. As a result of these penalties, both drivers forfeited their original positions, including prizes and points.

The penalties also extended beyond Ericsson and Kirkwood. Callum Ilott from Prema Racing also failed post-race checks, leading to a drop from 12th to last place. Ilott’s payout was cut to $155,300, and he humorously noted on social media that his brunch plans were ruined by the news.

Historically, this disqualification reshaped the podium finishers. David Malukas of A.J. Foyt Racing moved up to second place, while Pato O’Ward climbed to third. This marked a significant achievement for Foyt Racing, their best Indy 500 finish in 25 years.

Doug Boles, president of IndyCar, praised drivers Ericsson, Kirkwood, and Ilott for attending the awards ceremony, showing their commitment to the sport despite recent setbacks. Ericsson shared his disappointment but acknowledged the harshness of the penalties, stating, "If that’s the rules, then that’s the rules."

IndyCar has faced scrutiny recently. Last week, two-time winner Josef Newgarden and Will Power of Team Penske dealt with issues of unapproved modifications, forcing them to start at the back of the pack.

The Indianapolis 500 has always been a spectacle, with about seven million viewers tuning in this year. Boles expressed hope for growth and improvement within the series, highlighting the unity of the community during challenging times.

For more details on auto racing, visit the AP Auto Racing page.

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