In a significant development ahead of the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at World Wide Technology Raceway, four Honda-powered NTT IndyCar Series entries have been hit with nine-spot grid penalties due to exceeding the permitted number of engines for the season.
The affected cars include the No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing car of championship leader Alex Palou, who will be sporting the new Samaritan’s Purse livery this weekend, and his teammate Scott Dixon, currently third in the standings, driving the No. 9 Ganassi entry. Additionally, the No. 51 Dale Coyne Racing car, driven by Katherine Legge, and Felix Rosenqvist’s No. 60 Meyer Shank Racing Honda have also been penalized.
Per IndyCar regulations, teams are limited to four engines per season. Any additional engines come with penalties—nine positions on ovals and six on road and street courses. The penalties were triggered after these teams opted for unapproved engine changes following the Toronto race, ensuring fresh power units for the final five races of the season, starting with Saturday’s event.
According to Rule 16.1.2.3.2, if a team has used up the mileage on its first four engines, a fifth engine can still earn manufacturer points. However, if not, the engine is deemed unapproved, triggering the penalties.
This development could have a significant impact on the championship race, particularly for Palou and Dixon, who are both in strong contention for the title.
Photo from Chip Ganassi Racing Instagram
