A new regulation to prohibit risky defensive maneuvers at the Indianapolis 500 pit entrance
IndyCar has introduced new regulations ahead of the upcoming Indianapolis 500 to curb dangerous defensive maneuvers. In recent editions of the race, drivers have pushed the limits by making aggressive defensive moves at the exit of the final corner, swerving dangerously close to the pit lane barrier. Last year’s race witnessed a particularly intense maneuver by Josef Newgarden, who veered into the pit lane entrance before swiftly returning to the track, narrowly avoiding collision with the barrier at high speeds.
The updated rule, announced recently, prohibits such actions. Drivers are now forbidden from crossing the dashed line preceding the pit lane entrance unless they intend to enter the pits. Those remaining on the track must adhere to the right-hand side of the line and respect the barrier’s end.
IndyCar clarified these regulations during a pre-race briefing on Friday, stating that cars with left-side tires crossing the dashed line without entering the pits will face penalties unless it’s for safety reasons or to avoid a closed pit lane and return to the track.
Penalties for violations will typically entail a drive-through penalty, while infractions during a Safety Car period will result in relegation to the rear of the queue. Post-race penalties will involve time penalties equivalent to the duration of a drive-through pit stop.
Additionally, IndyCar confirmed that the ‘restart line’ typically used at the final corner will not be utilized during the race. Instead, racing will resume once the track conditions are green after a Safety Car period.