IndyCar uses a system called “push to pass,” or P2P, which is somewhat similar to Formula One’s drag reduction system, or DRS, that allows cars a limited amount of time to accelerate faster than normal and leads to more exciting racing with extra overtakes. That system isn’t supposed to be used during race starts and restarts, and it is normally turned on and off by race officials.
During warmups for this past weekend’s Long Beach Grand Prix, IndyCar says it discovered a manipulation by Team Penske. After reviewing data from St. Petersburg, it determined that Newgarden and McLaughlin both illegally used P2P during restarts. It was also determined that Penske driver Will Power had the ability to use P2P when he should not have, but he didn’t use it. Still, all three driver entries were docked 10 points, fined $25,000, and are forfeiting prize money from that race, which isn’t disclosed.
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