In a multi racing event last weekend that brought five racing series to two different tracks in Indianapolis that saw the NASCAR ARCA and the Camping World Truck Series run races at Indianapolis Raceway Park while IndyCar, the Xfinity, and the ASCAR Cup Series all ran races on the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway; there was lots of drama to be had.
Breaking a 49 race losing streak, Alexander Rossi put his Andretti Autosport car in victory lane. But all was not sunshine and roses for the team when IndyCar issued a penalty to the team on Wednesday.
While not all of the drivers weigh the same, the rules state that all of the cars must meat a minimum weight in order to comply with the rules.
IndyCar determined during post race inspection that the team used a water bottle instead of the proper ballast to add weight to Rossi’s car and has fined Andretti Autosport $25,000. While Rossi will keep his race win, he has been docked 20 driver points. Rossi is currently not in the running for the championship. In the final year of his contract, he will be moving to Arrow McLaren SP next season. The California native spent some time driving in Formula One and is the last American to do so.
IndyCar president Jay Frye spoke on the infraction saying, “from a sporting perspective, the car met minimum requirements. From a technical perspective, the way they achieved the weight is not allowed. To meet minimum weight, the drink bottle and its contents were used as car ballast, which is not permitted and why the team is being fined and penalized.”
Andretti Autosport responded to the penalty by saying, “we regret the mistake and appreciate IndyCar’s understanding that the number 27 was compliant during the race.”
This weekend IndyCar travels to Nashville to race on the city streets that includes crossing a bridge.