For the second race in a row, illegalities have been found via the IndyCar Series’ technical inspection process. The latest to run afoul of post-race tech is AJ Foyt Racing with the No. 14 Chevy driven to a career-best second-place in Detroit on Sunday by Santino Ferrucci.
Unlike the post-race penalties at the Indianapolis 500 where Kyle Kirkwood, Marcus Ericsson, and Callum Ilott were moved to the bottom of the results, Ferrucci will retain his position.
“The No. 14 will be allowed to keep the second-place finish; however, the entry has been fined $25,000 and will forfeit 25 championship driver and entrant points,” the series wrote. “The bonus point for leading a lap also is not awarded. The No. 14 also is ineligible for engine points and prize money associated with the race.
“During post-race inspection of car No. 14, IndyCar discovered the driver ballast needed to bring the combined weight of the driver and driver ballast to 185 pounds was underweight and not within the driver ballast weight tolerance of 0.00 to + 1.00 pounds.
“However, also during inspection, the series found the weight of car No. 14 itself was 10 pounds over the minimum weight for road and street circuits of 1,785 pounds and competed over the minimum weight requirement on-track.
“A.J. Foyt Enterprises was in violation of: Rule 14.4.2. Driver Equivalency Weight. Rule 14.4.2.2. Driver Equivalency Weight must bring the combined weight of the Driver and Driver ballast to 185 pounds. Rule 14.4.2.5. The Driver ballast weight tolerance is 0.00 to + 1.00 pounds. The Driver Equivalency Weight must be installed and secured in the designed location forward of the seatback. This location may only be used for Driver ballast.
“This rule is in place to equalize the weight of varying-sized drivers so there is no advantage based on the weight of the driver. Post-race weight determination, as implemented by INDYCAR, is a common practice after every event and in nearly all forms of motorsports to ensure an equal playing field.”
