P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The NTT IndyCar Series has announced grid penalties for four drivers ahead of this weekend’s Bommarito 500 from World Wide Technology Raceway. The drivers include championship contenders Alex Palou and Scott Dixon, who currently sit first and third in the title race. The #51 of Katherine Legge will also drop down below her qualifying position, […]
Championship contenders Alex Palou and Scott Dixon are currently leading the title race, with Katherine Legge and Felix Rosenqvist also facing penalties for dropping down the grid positions due to engine usage. All four drivers, using Honda power plants, are at a disadvantage compared to Team Penske and Chevrolet on oval courses, where they have been strong. The penalties were a result of premature engine replacement earlier in the year, particularly during the Indianapolis 500. The penalties are more severe on oval courses to balance the penalty’s impact. Last year’s winner Dixon, who started 16th, will need to make a significant effort to repeat as the winner at Gateway. With four races remaining after this weekend’s event at WWTR, more penalties are expected as other entries may exceed their allocated engine limits.