Season three of the IndyCar documentary series 100 Days to Indy revealed new details about Team Penske and its 2025 Indianapolis 500 controversy. The episode included candid comments from Pato O’Ward, who criticized both the organization and Roger Penske after officials discovered illegal modifications during qualifying.
Illicit Modifications Removed Team Penske from 12
Technical officials determined that the number two and number twelve Team Penske Chevrolet entries driven by Josef Newgarden and Will Power carried altered rear attenuators. The component did not provide a measurable performance gain, yet the modification violated the rulebook. As a result, both cars were withdrawn from Fast 12 qualifying.
IndyCar issued penalties the following day. The series fined each entry one hundred thousand dollars. Both cars were moved to the rear of the thirty three car starting field for the Indianapolis 500. The strategists responsible for each program received suspensions.
The infraction marked the second rule breach for the organization within fifteen months following the 2024 push to pass violation at Saint Petersburg.
Roger Penske responded by dismissing senior leadership within his IndyCar operation.
O’Ward Criticizes Repeated Infractions
O’Ward expressed significant frustration during the period immediately after the scandal. New comments surfaced in episode three of season three on the Indycarlive platform.
O’Ward said the following.
“No. IndyCar is not short of drama. And it always seems to be the same people. The same people with the same scandal in less than a year. It is not a good feeling. It is not a good look. It is not good for anybody.”
The Mexican driver directed his remarks toward Roger Penske because Penske owns the series while also fielding a team within it.
O’Ward said the following.
“Changes have to happen. Otherwise the series is at risk of losing a lot of trust within the paddock. The guy that owns the series. His team is the one that keeps getting caught by cheating. It is just simple. Do not cheat. And if you are going to cheat. Do not get caught. Especially when you own the series. Like. Come on.”
IndyCar Moves Toward Independent Governance
In the aftermath of the controversy, the series began developing a new framework for independent governance that will take effect in 2026. Officials described the reform as a response to public concern over the optics of a series owner also operating a team found in violation of technical regulations.
The series expects to present a formal update on the new structure in the near future.
